Since the reintroduction of cheetahs in India, the entire country was elated to see the comeback of the once-extinct species in India. But, this good news has soon come to an end with the growing number of deaths of some of them. Specifically at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park. While the reason behind their deaths is debatable, a decision has been taken to tackle the issue of their demise.
MP’s Kuno National Park To Remove Radio Collars From Cheetahs
As per reports by The Indian Express, wildlife officials in Madhya Pradesh have proposed an exercise to remove radio collars from 10 free-ranging cheetahs at Kuno National Park. This suggestion comes after the death of two cheetahs in three days.
The decision to conduct the exercise came after the wildlife authorities observed a problem in the male coalition of cheetah brothers from Namibia, Gaurav and Shaurya. They are also known as “The Rock Stars.” These brothers are exhibiting a similar problem, reported The Indian Express.
Two cheetah experts from South Africa, one of whom will be arriving in India this week to assist Kuno officials, also expressed concerns. The concerns were about the use of radio collars. However, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) disputes these claims. They state that the reports of cheetah deaths caused by radio collars lack scientific evidence and assert that all mortalities are natural.
Also Read: Kuno National Park’s 3 Baby Cheetahs Die Because Of Heat Wave In Madhya Pradesh
A Sensible Decision Backed Without Scientific Research?
However, On July 16, the MoEF&CC issued a press release denying the speculation surrounding their deaths. The speculations that the deaths were caused by radio collars had no scientific evidence. The NTCA, responsible for implementing Project Cheetah, stated in the release that all deaths were natural causes, reported The Indian Express.
As per the reports, deaths of 5 adult cheetahs out of the 20 translocated cheetahs from Nambia and South Africa have been reported from Kuno National Park. The cheetahs were reportedly not able to adjust to the moist weather caused due to rainy conditions. Leading them to itching in and around the neck due to the radio collar.
Also Read: After The Death Of 2 Cheetahs, MP Asks For Alternative Site For Cheetahs From Centre
The government officials and the people of India hoped that the re-entry of the animals would be a great feat for India. But, the sad news of the death of the adult cheetahs, has now brought a new sense of worry.
Do you believe removing the radio collars will be a good move in order to safeguard the cheetahs? Let us know in the comments.
Cover image courtesy: Canva (Representative image)