Kuno National Park is not yet ready for Cheetahs

Ecology is a science, and the ecosystem runs on set of principles; there no denying this. The last Indian Cheetah was shot in 1952 its habitat, which more open with grassland shrubs arid sub-arid ecosystem. Over time habitat altered, reported to take refuge wooded Sal (Shorea robusta) forest then Madhya Pradesh. situation has worsened since then; let us admit it. Introducing Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) from Namibia decision taken haste without considering guild ecology. This action will not only distract our attention deteriorating country but also other pressing critical conservation priorities. Five females three males were relocated Kuno National Park (KNP) 17th September 2022. It decided earlier that Asiatic lions would be KNP. Still, it shelved, introduction put fast track despite Supreme Court’s against Court (SC) stated order way back 2013 “The by MoEF (Ministry Environment Forest) for African first lion, arbitrary, an illegal clear violation statutory requirements provided under Wildlife Protection Act. introduce into cannot stand eye law, same quashed”. A survey conducted relocate Cheetahs, out locations, KNP chosen; two were: Shahgarh Landscape Jaisalmer Nauradehi Sanctuary Court, 2020, permitted experimental basis. objective ministry environment this project is: “Establish viable meta-population India allows perform functional role as top predator provides space expansion within historical range, thereby contributing global efforts”. However, goal able fulfill desired purpose.