Wed Feb 19 12:13:25 UTC 2025: ## Cheetah Translocation to India Raises Ethical and Ecological Concerns: New Study
**Bengaluru, February 19, 2025** – A new study published in *Frontiers in Conservation Science* casts doubt on the viability and ethics of India’s Project Cheetah, which aims to reintroduce African cheetahs to the country. The research, conducted by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), highlights alarmingly high mortality rates and welfare concerns among the translocated animals.
The study reveals that the initial phase of the project resulted in a 40-50% mortality rate among the 20 cheetahs introduced to Kuno National Park, significantly lower than the projected 85% survival rate. Furthermore, the cheetahs have undergone numerous chemical immobilisations and veterinary interventions, indicating high stress levels and raising concerns about their physical and mental well-being.
The CWS study also points to the ethical implications of importing cheetahs from already vulnerable populations in Africa, where only around 6,500 mature individuals remain in the wild. The researchers argue that the project’s reliance on continuous imports from southern Africa is unsustainable and ethically questionable. The study suggests that India’s current approach risks overlooking diverse perspectives and values regarding wildlife conservation, advocating for a more inclusive and participatory approach.
Lead researcher Yashendu Chinmayee Joshi emphasized the need for conservation decisions to be based on inclusive processes that consider diverse viewpoints and ensure consent from all stakeholders. The authors call for a greater focus on creating sustainable shared spaces between humans and wildlife, rather than causing further division and distress. The study concludes that a more justice-informed approach is crucial for the future of wildlife conservation efforts.
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