Project Cheetah was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September of last year. But nine large cats have already perished at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park as a result. The reason is probably cheetahs developing thick fur coats in anticipation of African winters. Here are the details that you should know about the death of big cats in India.
Cheetahs In India Are Developing Thick Fur Coats!
It is proving fatal in India’s hot and muggy atmosphere for cheetahs to naturally grow a thick fur coat in preparation for the African cold. The experts recommended actions like shaving off winter clothing in a report to the government to stop dangerous diseases from causing additional deaths.
According to them, dermatitis is frequently caused by thick fur coats, a high parasite load, and wetness. Additionally, fly strikes can exacerbate the infection and compromise the integrity of the skin.
A government official stated that some of these cheetahs do not have these problems because their hair is not so long. In fact, the cause is natural selection. The most physically fit of them and their descendants will endure and prosper under the conditions of India.
The official went on to admit that not even African experts had foreseen such a scenario. Further, he explained that the deaths of the cheetahs are not yet alarming and that similar translocations have encountered difficulties in the past.
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Danger For The Big Cats
Despite the fact that the specialists recommended solutions like cutting off the fur coats, the study states that there are also worries over the potential risk of giving medicine. It involves darting, catching, and returning the large cats to their enclosures.
Big cat deaths are frequently caused by fighting over prey or mating, according to Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Vijay Shah. He made this statement earlier last month after the passing of the eighth cheetah.
Based on the lessons learned from the original experience in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, international specialists working in Project Cheetah have advised the government that younger cheetahs that are accustomed to management vehicles and human presence are favoured candidates for translocation to India.
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The scientists stressed that younger cheetahs are more adapted to their new settings and had higher survival rates compared to older cheetahs in a status report.
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