In the aftermath of the recent deaths of Cheetahs translocated from Africa to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that while the fatalities among the introduced cheetah population are concerning, they are not deemed 'unduly alarming'.

According to media reports, another cheetah has died in Kuno National Park this week, bringing the death toll to nine in the last five months.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) submitted an affidavit to the Apex Court, highlighting that the survival rates of cheetahs in introduced populations can be as low as 10%. The affidavit explained that cheetahs generally have low survival rates, around 50% in adults even in non-introduced populations. However, in introduced populations, the survival rates drop further due to various factors, resulting in approximately 10% survival rate in cubs.

The Supreme Court has been reviewing an application filed by an expert committee tasked with guiding and directing the National Tiger Conservation Authority on India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction program. The committee has urged the court to ensure they are kept informed of the latest developments and that their advice and submissions are accepted.

In response to the rising concerns about the mortality rate, the government assured the court that they are taking steps to ensure the well-being of the remaining cheetahs at Kuno National Park. These steps include capturing all cheetahs for a critical medical examination, providing prophylactic treatment to surviving cheetahs, reviewing project implementation, consulting international cheetah experts and veterinarians, and enhancing training and capacity building for personnel involved in cheetah management.

The Centre defended the project, stating that the deaths were due to natural causes and not inherent unsuitability at the Kuno site. Post-mortem examinations revealed different causes of death, such as traumatic shock, severe dehydration and underweight condition in cubs, injuries from mating confrontations, renal insufficiency, and severe gastritis.

Regarding the project's scope, the affidavit highlighted that India's economic ability now allows for the restoration of the country's lost national heritage, both for ethical and ecological reasons. The project aims to reintroduce cheetahs, which were eradicated from India primarily due to historical factors like excessive hunting and habitat loss.

The affidavit also emphasized that the project is being carried out with the collaboration of the Madhya Pradesh state government and the central government. A Steering Committee of experts from diverse fields oversees and monitors the project's implementation, collaborating with international cheetah experts for veterinary care and day-to-day management.

The government's plan involves introducing cheetahs in phases, with Kuno National Park, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nuaradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, and Shahgarh Bulge, Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan identified as potential sites. The introduction will depend on the availability of cheetahs from African countries and the suitability of the habitat and prey availability.

The Supreme Court, in its earlier hearings, had expressed concern over the cheetahs' mortality rate and suggested considering different sites for their relocation. The government assured the court that a task force and expert committee are actively managing the situation and implementing an action plan.

Case Title: Centre for Environment Law WWF-I v. Union of India | Writ Petition (Civil) No. 337 of 1995