On Monday, the Supreme Court emphasized that the number of African cheetah deaths at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is not low, despite media reports’ accuracy. The bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha, and Prashant Kumar Mishra, noted that even the general public expressed concern over recent developments at Kuno.
Representing the Central government, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati stated that the translocation project was unique and not currently alarming. The government acknowledged some media reports were inaccurate and mentioned the possibility of releasing updates. Justice Narasimha pointed out the high number of deaths, and the ASG explained that the figures included deaths of cubs born to one of the cheetahs, citing infections caused by exposure to Indian conditions.
The ASG clarified that they were taking steps to address the situation, consulting experts, and aiming for a survival rate of at least 50%. The project’s focus was on acclimatizing cheetahs to local conditions. The court adjourned the matter after hearing from the ASG and a counsel for a foreign expert.
In September 2022, twenty cheetahs were translocated to India’s Kuno National Park from Namibia and South Africa to revive the cheetah population. Media reports have cited eight cheetah deaths since March, attributed to infections and fights among the animals.
Last month, the Court questioned the government’s decision to send all cheetahs to Kuno National Park and suggested shifting some to Rajasthan due to the worrying number of deaths in a short period.
Name:- Ritesh palaur, University:- Sambalpur University, Semester:- 2nd
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