Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Officials Defend Cheetah Project Against Criticism
India's Project Cheetah brought African cheetahs to the country.
Government officials wrote a paper to defend the project from criticism.
They claim the cheetahs have adapted and the project is doing well.
The officials said cheetahs are kept in large enclosures and hunt their own food.
Officials say there were no deaths from immobilizations.
The paper also mentions ongoing negotiations to import more cheetahs from other countries.
Officials published a paper to counter criticism of Project Cheetah.
The paper defends the project's progress and cheetah adaptation.
Cheetahs were imported from Namibia and South Africa.
Officials state cheetahs are held in soft-release enclosures.
Officials cite the birth of cubs as a sign of success.
- Who
- Wildlife officials and scientists involved in Project Cheetah.
- What
- A paper defending the reintroduction of cheetahs, countering criticism.
- When
- Project launched in September 2022; paper published recently.
- Where
- Kuno's wilderness in India.
- Why
- To counter criticism of Project Cheetah and defend its progress.
Critics
Government Officials
Cheetah Enclosure Duration
Critics
Criticism that cheetahs are held in enclosures for a long duration.
Government Officials
Officials say cheetahs are held in soft-release enclosures and hunt locally available prey, an internationally recognized practice.
Project Progress and Adaptability
Critics
Criticism and sensationalized media narratives against the project.
Government Officials
Officials claim the project has demonstrated significant progress with ecological adaptation of the cheetahs and birth of cubs.
Social Impact on Local Communities
Critics
Concerns regarding social impacts and community displacement.
Government Officials
Officials assert no unjustified displacement or coerced relocation of local communities.
- Project Start
- September 2022
- Cheetah Origins
- Namibia and South Africa
- Initial Cheetahs Imported
- 20
- Current Free-Ranging Cheetahs
- 6 plus 18 cubs
- Immobilization Events
- 90 in 2.5 years
- Cubs Born
- 25 in 2.5 years