Kuno Cheetah Deaths: SC Expresses Concern, Suggests Relocation to Rajasthan

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Thursday, questioning why all the recently translocated cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were confined to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai, JB Paridwala, and Prashant Kumar Mishra expressed worry over the high number of cheetah deaths in a short span, and suggested some cheetahs could be relocated to Rajasthan’s Jawai National Park for better prospects.

Justice Gavai remarked, “Two more deaths last week. Why is this becoming a prestige issue? Please take some positive steps. Also, why were they all put in one place instead of being spread? 40 percent deaths occurring in less than a year does not paint a good picture.”

The Court proposed the possibility of shifting some cheetahs to Rajasthan’s Jawai National Park, which is known for its leopard population. The move, they believed, could have a positive impact on the cheetah population.

In September 2022, twenty cheetahs were translocated to India from Namibia and South Africa as part of efforts to revive the cheetah population in the country. However, media reports revealed that eight cheetahs, including three cubs, have already died at Kuno National Park since March, with causes attributed to various infections and intra-species conflicts.

The issue was raised during the hearing of a 1995 public interest litigation petition concerning animal welfare.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati assured the Court that the Central government was making every effort for the cheetah translocation project, acknowledging that 50 percent of deaths in translocation projects were common.

Justice Pardiwala inquired about the reasons for the deaths, to which ASG Bhati mentioned several factors and acknowledged that more efforts were required. The ASG also highlighted that tiger deaths occurred within enclosures during similar projects in Rajasthan.

At the end of the hearing, Justice Gavai suggested relocating some of the cheetahs to Rajasthan, and the matter is scheduled for the next hearing on 1^st August, 2023.

The parties involved were asked to provide suggestions and updated status reports by the next hearing.