https://sputniknews.in/20231004/spotted-chronicles-the-cheetahs-colourful-history-in-india-4580485.html
Spotted Chronicles: The Cheetah's Colourful History in India
Spotted Chronicles: The Cheetah's Colourful History in India
Sputnik India
The Asiatic cheetah was once indigenous to India. Today, however, the species is considered almost extinct. Sputnik India tried to trace the complicated... 04.10.2023, Sputnik India
2023-10-04T18:25+0530
2023-10-04T18:25+0530
2023-10-04T18:25+0530
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india
kuno national park
african cheetah
animal extinction
south africa
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endangered species
africa
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India, a land of incredible biodiversity, has had a fascinating relationship with the cheetah that has spanned centuries. From having proliferated throughout the country, speeding majestically over the Indian grasslands to its near-extinction and now its resurgence after the launch of an ambitious plan to reintroduce the big cat, the tale of the cheetah in India is one of revival and hope.How many cheetahs are there in India?In the distant past, India was home to the Asiatic cheetah, known for its distinctive features. Sadly, their numbers dwindled, with the last Indian cheetah spotted in the Fiftes, marking a tragic chapter in their history. A few remained in Afghanistan and Pakistan but the population status is critical and the species is recognized as endangered. The Asiatic subspecies survived only in Iran. At present, there are not cheetahs in India, but the country has a concrete plan to change that.Where Are Cheetahs Found in India?Cheetahs once roamed the northern and central regions of the Indostan peninsula, thriving in open grasslands. Cheetahs need to hunt other mountain animals to ensure their survival. They feed mainly on gazelles and antelope. These animals make up 90% of a cheetah's diet. Now, efforts are under way to bring them back, thanks to Indian diplomacy and improved relations with African countries.Who Killed the Last Indian Cheetah?The demise of Indian cheetahs is a complex story, with habitat loss and hunting taking its toll. Before India gained independence, cheetahs were hunted by the British aristocracy. So popular a quarry were they that the British imported cheetahs by the hundreds from Africa for royal hunts. Trophy hunting and high prices for their unique pelt accelerated their decline.The last three of India's native cheetahs were hunted in 1947 by an Indian prince named Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo, a member of the Koriya royal family from the state of Chhattisgarh. For several years afterwards, Indian authorities tried hard to find wild cheetahs in the jungles and mountainous areas of northern India. However, these searches were in vain.In 1952, after years of fruitless attempts to find cheetahs in the wilds of India, the government admitted defeat, declaring that cheetahs were extinct in India. But that was not the end of the story. From that point on, Indian authorities tirelessly worked to bring the animal back to the country and finally, after a period of more than 70 years, new cheetahs are setting foot on Indian soil.Reintroduction of Cheetah in IndiaIndia's passion for conservation has led to "Project Cheetah." This ambitious endeavor involves habitat restoration and safety measures, aiming to reintroduce these majestic cats. However, a number of challenges arise, such as the cheetah's propensity to develop a thick winter coats, leading to severe health issues."Project Cheetah" isn't just a mission; it's a symphony of dedication, ingenuity, and unyielding commitment to resurrect a living legend. With the backdrop of declining biodiversity and vanishing wildlife habitats, the initiative stands as a testament to India's resolution to rewrite the conservation narrative.The stage for this grand narrative is set in the sprawling expanse of Kuno National Park, a haven of biodiversity nestled in Madhya Pradesh. Here, nature is in tune with every rustle of the wind and each whispered secret of the wilderness.Cheetah in Kuno National ParkKuno's terrain, an intricate mosaic of valleys, plateaus, and riverbeds, offers an ideal canvas for the return of the cheetah. Its ample prey base promises nourishment for these majestic cats. The park's protection measures provide a secure haven, a sanctuary where the cheetah can reclaim its rightful place.And then came the moment of awe - the birth of four cheetah cubs, a beacon of hope after an agonizing 79-year hiatus. The very soil of Kuno National Park bore witness to this historic event, a pivotal chapter in India's wildlife conservation saga.This venture proves India's unwavering dedication to conservation, echoing its commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage. It symbolizes the nation's aspiration to resurrect a species that once embodied the essence of untamed beauty.Although the project is facing a number of challenges, some of which have unfortunately resulted in the death of imported cheetahs, the effort to revitalize the cheetah population in India is an extremely important part of India's environmental policy and deserves considerable credit.As the cheetah's return to Indian soil unfolds, it's a journey we all eagerly follow - a story of resilience, revival, and the harmonious resurgence of a species that once graced our landscapes. With "Project Cheetah" the story continues, and the world watches with bated breath as speed and grace reawaken in the heart of India's wilderness.
https://sputniknews.in/20230919/gandhi-sagar-nauradehi-wildlife-sanctuaries-get-ready-for-next-batch-of-cheetahs-4315930.html
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india, cheetah, kuno national park, extinct cheetah, indian cheetah, leopards, cheetah history
india, cheetah, kuno national park, extinct cheetah, indian cheetah, leopards, cheetah history
Spotted Chronicles: The Cheetah's Colourful History in India
The Asiatic cheetah was once indigenous to India. Today, however, the species is considered almost extinct. Sputnik India tried to trace the complicated history of the Indian cheetah.
India, a land of incredible biodiversity, has had a fascinating relationship with the cheetah that has spanned centuries. From having proliferated throughout the country, speeding majestically over the Indian grasslands to its near-extinction and now its resurgence after the launch of an ambitious plan to reintroduce the big cat, the tale of the cheetah in India is one of revival and hope.
How many cheetahs are there in India?
In the distant past, India was home to the
Asiatic cheetah, known for its distinctive features. Sadly, their
numbers dwindled, with the last Indian cheetah spotted in the Fiftes, marking a tragic chapter in their history. A few remained in Afghanistan and Pakistan but the population status is critical and the species is recognized as endangered. The Asiatic subspecies survived only in Iran. At present, there are not cheetahs in India, but the country has a concrete plan to change that.
Where Are Cheetahs Found in India?
Cheetahs once roamed the northern and central regions of the Indostan peninsula, thriving in open grasslands. Cheetahs need to hunt other mountain animals to ensure their survival. They feed mainly on gazelles and antelope. These animals make up 90% of a cheetah's diet. Now, efforts are under way to bring them back, thanks to Indian diplomacy and improved relations with African countries.
Who Killed the Last Indian Cheetah?
The demise of Indian cheetahs is a complex story, with habitat loss and hunting taking its toll. Before India gained independence, cheetahs were hunted by the British aristocracy. So popular a quarry were they that the British imported cheetahs by the hundreds from Africa for royal hunts. Trophy hunting and high prices for their unique pelt
accelerated their decline.
The last three of India's native cheetahs were hunted in 1947 by an Indian prince named Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo, a member of the Koriya royal family from the state of Chhattisgarh. For several years afterwards, Indian authorities tried hard to find wild cheetahs in the jungles and mountainous areas of northern India. However, these searches were in vain.
In 1952, after years of fruitless attempts to find cheetahs in the wilds of India, the government admitted defeat, declaring that cheetahs were extinct in India. But that was not the end of the story. From that point on, Indian authorities tirelessly worked to bring the animal back to the country and finally, after a period of more than 70 years, new cheetahs are setting foot on Indian soil.
Reintroduction of Cheetah in India
India's passion for conservation has led to
"Project Cheetah." This ambitious endeavor involves habitat restoration and safety measures, aiming to reintroduce these majestic cats. However, a number of challenges arise, such as the cheetah's propensity to develop a thick winter coats, leading to severe
health issues.
"Project Cheetah" isn't just a mission; it's a symphony of dedication, ingenuity, and unyielding commitment to resurrect a living legend. With the backdrop of declining biodiversity and vanishing wildlife habitats, the initiative stands as a testament to India's resolution to rewrite the conservation narrative.
The stage for this grand narrative is set in the sprawling expanse of Kuno National Park, a haven of biodiversity nestled in Madhya Pradesh. Here, nature is in tune with every rustle of the wind and each whispered secret of the wilderness.
Cheetah in Kuno National Park
Kuno's terrain, an intricate mosaic of valleys, plateaus, and riverbeds, offers an ideal canvas for the return of the cheetah. Its ample prey base promises nourishment for these majestic cats. The park's protection measures provide a secure haven, a sanctuary where the cheetah can reclaim its rightful place.
And then came the moment of awe -
the birth of four cheetah cubs, a beacon of hope after an agonizing 79-year hiatus. The very soil of Kuno National Park bore witness to this historic event, a pivotal chapter in India's wildlife conservation saga.
This venture proves India's unwavering dedication to conservation, echoing its commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage. It symbolizes the nation's aspiration to resurrect a species that once embodied the essence of untamed beauty.
Although the project is facing a number of challenges, some of which have unfortunately resulted in the death of imported cheetahs, the effort to revitalize the cheetah population in India is an extremely important part of India's environmental policy and deserves considerable credit.
As the cheetah's return to Indian soil unfolds, it's a journey we all eagerly follow - a story of resilience, revival, and the harmonious resurgence of a species that once graced our landscapes. With "Project Cheetah" the story continues, and the world watches with bated breath as speed and grace reawaken in the heart of India's wilderness.
