A number of worldwide specialists, together with within the UK and the US, have imported cheetahs from northern Africa. They’ve really useful that India do the identical. AFP
India is contemplating importing cheetahs from northern Africa because of considerations that a few of these large cats from Namibia and South Africa have developed a winter coat in Indian summer season, officers mentioned on Wednesday.
In line with officers, one of many largest challenges confronted within the first yr of managing cheetahs in India was the surprising growth of winter coats by some cheetahs throughout the Indian summer season and monsoon, in anticipation of the African winter (June to September).
Even African specialists didn’t anticipate it, a senior forest official mentioned.
The winter coat, mixed with excessive humidity and temperatures, triggered itching, prompting the animals to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the bottom. This led to bruises and uncovered pores and skin, the place flies laid their eggs, leading to maggot infestations and, in the end, bacterial infections and septicaemia, resulting in the demise of three cheetahs, the official defined.
“Cheetahs in northern and north-eastern Africa, which is in the northern hemisphere, might be better suited to Indian conditions. This idea is being deliberated, but we are yet to examine the status of the cheetahs in this part of Africa. We need to look at their populations, health conditions, breeding cycle, etc,” an official related to the cheetah undertaking mentioned on situation of anonymity.
A number of worldwide specialists, together with within the UK and the US, have imported cheetahs from northern Africa. They’ve really useful that India do the identical, the official mentioned.
SP Yadav, the top of Venture Cheetah and Extra Director Normal (Forests) within the Surroundings Ministry, mentioned: “The idea that we may have cheetahs from northern Africa in the future has been discussed but the next batch will come from South Africa.” He mentioned India plans to import cheetahs that don’t develop thicker winter coats — a main issue behind extreme infections in some cheetahs and the demise of three of them.
Traditionally, cheetahs have been present in elements of northern Africa, however their populations on this area have considerably declined, and they’re now thought of extinct or almost extinct in lots of northern African international locations.
At the moment, the few remaining cheetahs in northern Africa are primarily present in small and remoted populations, primarily in protected areas and nationwide parks. A number of the international locations the place cheetahs are nonetheless discovered, although in smaller numbers, embody Algeria, Egypt, Niger and Mali.
A complete of 20 animals have been imported from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno in two batches — one in September final yr and the second in February this yr.
Since March, six of those grownup cheetahs have died because of varied causes. In Could, three of the 4 cubs born to a feminine Namibian cheetah succumbed to excessive warmth. The remaining cub is being raised beneath human take care of future wildling.