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Cheetah Project Enters New Phase: Focus Shifts to Coexistence
16 Sep
Summary
- Global Tiger Forum tasked with landscape study for Project Cheetah's next phase.
- Study will examine cheetah movements beyond protected areas in Madhya Pradesh.
- Project Cheetah now aims for long-term coexistence with people and landscape.
As Project Cheetah marks its fourth anniversary, the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is undertaking a comprehensive landscape study in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative aims to shape the project's future by examining cheetah movements beyond the Kuno National Park's protected boundaries. The study involves two parts: a socio-economic assessment of surrounding communities and an ecological survey of the wider landscape.
This marks a significant shift towards ensuring the long-term coexistence of cheetahs with people and the natural environment. The socio-economic component will investigate local livelihoods and explore conservation-linked economic opportunities for communities. The Global Tiger Forum, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India, is spearheading this effort.
Currently, India has 52 cheetahs, with 49 residing in Kuno National Park and three in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, of which 32 were born in the country. The project's evolution includes successful breeding and the release of cheetahs into the wild, now utilizing a broader inter-state landscape. The next phase involves expanding the program to additional sites and adopting a comprehensive landscape approach.
