Project Cheetah

Why in News?

India plans to sign a new MoU with Kenya to facilitate the transfer of 8-10 cheetahs each year to enhance its cheetah conservation efforts

About Project Cheetah

It is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at reintroducing the cheetah, which was declared extinct in the country in 1952.

It represents the world’s first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation effort.

The project officially commenced on September 17, 2022, with the introduction of eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

A subsequent batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa arrived in February 2023.

Global Population Status

Estimated to be between 6,517 and 7,100 mature individuals remaining in the wild.

Top 5 highest Cheetah population countries

1. Namibia: 2,000-3,000

2. Botswana: 1,500-2,000

3. South Africa: 1,200-1,500

4. Tanzania: 1,000

5. Kenya: 1,000

Project Cheetah Types and their IUCN Status

African Cheetah

The largest populations are in Namibia (around 2,500) and South Africa (estimated between 7,000 to 10,000)

Status: Vulnerable

Northwest African Cheetah

Once widespread across North Africa but now severely fragmented.

Status: Critically Endagered

Northeast African Cheetah

Found in parts of East Africa

Status: Vulnerable

Asiatic Cheetah

Confined to Iran

Status: Critically Endagered

Southeast African Cheetah

Primarily found in parts of Southern East Africa

Status: Vulnerable