Facts Box: Cheetah Reintroduction Project

Cheetah has become extinct in India for more than 70 years now due to over hunting. Hence, several steps are being taken for the reintroduction of the cat in the country. It was brought up at CMS-COP 13 as well.

Highlights

On January 28, 2020, the Supreme Court of India cleared way for the reintroduction of Cheetah Project. It is expected that the National Tiger Conservation Authority will reintroduce the mammal in Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary after conducting an assessment.

Cheetah is the only flagship species to become extinct in India.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List has categorized Cheetah as Vulnerable.

Cheetah in India

Cheetah has become extinct in India mainly because of hunting. The last Cheetah was shot in Chhattisgarh in 1947. In 2000, scientists proposed to clone Asiatic Cheetah from Iran. However, the plan was dropped as Iran demanded for an Asiatic lion in return. After such several hurdles, Cheetah is being reintroduced in the country.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020