INDIA IS prone to host a delegation of Kenyan officers later this month to discover the potential for sourcing cheetahs from the east African nation for the subsequent section of Challenge Cheetah, sources conscious of developments stated.
The Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was chosen because the second site for reintroduction of cheetahs last year.
The authorities will host the Kenyan delegation to primarily focus on their willingness to translocate cheetahs to India, the phrases of such a translocation, together with the variety of cheetahs they’re prepared to half with. As a part of Challenge Cheetah, India plans to introduce eight to 14 cheetahs yearly for 5 years, topic to availability.
In December final 12 months India expressed its want to supply cheetahs from Kenya throughout a go to of their President William Ruto. The go to of the Kenyan delegation would possibly embrace a visit to the Gandhi Sagar sanctuary to evaluate the on-ground preparations made by the Madhya Pradesh forest division.
Final week, a five-member staff from South Africa too visited the Gandhi Sagar sanctuary and the Kuno nationwide park in MP. Sourcing cheetahs from South Africa for introduction in Gandhi Sagar can also be into account.
As of now, there are 27 cheetahs in Kuno – 13 adults and 14 cubs. Ten cheetahs have died so far owing to illnesses and infections.
Deaths attributable to infections is among the key causes India is wanting in the direction of Kenya as a possible supply of the large cats.