One cheetah has frequently wandered outside the refuge and into settlements. Officials have stated that they are attempting to restrict its wanderlust because doing so could endanger its health and life. In the African groups that were brought over, there are still 18 cheetahs.
Source: Jagran Josh
However, there are now 22 because four cubs were born following the relocation to India. The relocation project was finally completed after years of lengthy discussions. However, there was disagreement over the project’s necessity and viability because some ecologists and wildlife specialists opposed it for a number of different reasons.
Because of their extended time in confinement, it is believed that the cheetahs may experience stress. When they are in an unfamiliar environment, stress can lower their immunity to illnesses.
Kidney disease is one condition brought on by extended imprisonment. They are not provided with the ideal nutrition in the cages, according to some specialists. While chital, nilgai, and sambar deer are part of their natural diet, they are also given buffalo and goat meat in the enclosures, it is noted. However, the cheetahs must be housed in enclosures for a while to help them adjust to life in India. There are also grievances that the Kuno park does not have enough staff to properly care for the cheetahs.
One major issue is that the Kuno park isn’t roomy enough for cheetahs, who require a sizable area to live in. According to reports, the Madhya Pradesh government requested in writing to the Centre that more locations be prepared for the cheetahs.
Source: Times of India
The Rajasthan government made the Mukundra Tiger Reserve, which was part of the initial cheetah relocation plan, available to host certain animals. Despite being a smaller reserve, it is thought to be better armed. Nevertheless, because Rajasthan is a state governed by the Congress, it is claimed that political factors put the plan on hold. Politics interfering with measures for wildlife welfare will be regrettable.
However, the decision to relocate the cheetahs to Kuna was seen as a political manoeuvre intended to thwart the plan to move lions from the congested Gir forest to that park.
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