The reintroduction of cheetahs to their former range in India is a complicated and perilous process that requires careful monitoring and management. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between South Africa and India aims to promote cooperation and shared expertise for the conservation of cheetahs. However, the recent death of one of the 12 cheetahs relocated to Kuno National Park has highlighted the significant challenges of the reintroduction project, particularly during the critical phase of releasing cheetahs into freeranging conditions.
The reintroduction of large carnivores into the wild is a critical step towards conserving threatened species. The cheetah, specifically, has seen a significant decline in population in recent decades. While reintroduction programs are inherently risky, they are crucial to the expansion of the cheetah metapopulation and restoration of the animal to its former range state.