We were fully aware that during reintroduction the cheetahs might die. But the loss does not deter us. Each experience teaches us how to improve our future efforts, said Laurie Marker, eminent cheetah biologist.

She heads the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia. The government of India had consulted her for the reintroduction of cheetahs from Namibia to India last September.

Now the death of eight cheetahs in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh has created a furore in India. When contacted by mathrubhumi.com (via email), she said that reintroduction is a complex process and requires meticulous planning.

“Deaths are inevitable during the process. Unfortunate losses have, however, been giving very valuable insights for future planning,” Marker opined.

placeholder
Representational Image | Mathrubhumi

Cheetahs were extinct in India around 70 years back and it was after deliberations between India, Namibia and South Africa that cheetahs were reintroduced from September last onwards. 

The Supreme Court has taken the issue into consideration. The union government told the court that deaths were expected during the process of reintroduction. The apex court had directed the Centre to find alternate locations too, she added. 

Further, Marker said that an expert team is monitoring and analysing the causes for cheetah deaths in Kuno National park.

(The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CFF) in Namibia is a globally renowned forum for cheetah research and studies.)