https://sputniknews.in/20230928/india-mulls-importing-north-african-cheetahs-to-avoid-problems-of-developing-winter-coat-4492028.html

India Mulls Importing North African Cheetahs That Don't Develop Problematic Winter Coat

India Mulls Importing North African Cheetahs That Don't Develop Problematic Winter Coat

Sputnik India

India launched “Cheetah Project” last year under which 20 big cats from South Africa and Namibia were relocated to India's Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh state. However, the project hit a low after the death of nine cheetahs, including three cubs.

2023-09-28T19:03+0530

2023-09-28T19:03+0530

2023-09-29T09:57+0530

offbeat

india

africa

namibia

south africa

wildlife

animal extinction

african cheetah

kuno national park

nature conservation

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India is thinking of importing cheetahs from Northern Africa because of concerns regarding the ability of the big cats from Namibia and South Africa to adapt after they developed a winter coat during the scorching Indian summer.Satya Prakash Yadav, the Additional Director-General (Forests) in the Environment Ministry and the head of Project Cheetah, has revealed to the Indian media that although the cheetahs who are expected will be brought from South Africa, talks are continuing to explore the possibility of getting cheetahs from northern Africa.Yadav shared the information that India plans to import cheetahs that do not develop thicker winter coats - a primary factor behind severe infections in some cheetahs and the death of three of them.Experts believe that cheetahs develop winter coats as they prepare themselves for the African winter which takes place from June to September.The winter coat, combined with high humidity and temperatures, caused itching, prompting the animals to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground. As a result, three cheetahs at Kuno National Park lost their life from bruising and exposed skin in which flies laid their eggs leading to maggot infestations, bacterial infections, and septicemia.Hence, officials believe that cheetahs in northern and north-eastern Africa might be better suited to the Indian climate. However, before importing the cheetahs from North Africa, it is imperative for the experts to analyze various factors such as population, health conditions, breeding cycle, and other relevant aspects, Yadav said.The official added that several international experts, including those in the UK and the US, have brought cheetahs from northern Africa and advised India to do the same.

https://sputniknews.in/20230919/gandhi-sagar-nauradehi-wildlife-sanctuaries-get-ready-for-next-batch-of-cheetahs-4315930.html

india

africa

namibia

south africa

kuno national park

2023

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