India should go for younger cheetahs habituated to human presence: experts  - The Hindu

As India embarks on its ambitious endeavor of cheetah reintroduction through Project Cheetah, invaluable insights have emerged from the initial phases of the program. International experts, well-versed in the nuances of wildlife management, have underscored the importance of “younger cheetahs habituated to human presence” for a successful relocation initiative. The lessons gleaned from experiences in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park have informed this strategic recommendation.

A pertinent aspect highlighted in the experts’ counsel is the “value of habituation.” Cheetahs accustomed to the presence of management vehicles and human interactions exhibit a level of adaptability that lends itself to smoother transitions. This adaptation, honed over time, fosters an environment conducive to efficient monitoring, stress-free veterinary care, and effective management interventions.

Lessons from Experience: Insights from Kuno National Park

The “lessons from experience” resonate as a guiding principle for the future of cheetah relocation in India. The dynamics witnessed in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park have unearthed invaluable wisdom. The compatibility between younger cheetahs and human presence has emerged as a catalyst for successful reintroduction, creating a virtuous cycle where tourism value amplifies alongside the facilitation of essential management practices.

The “preference for younger candidates” underscores the malleability and adaptability that the formative years offer. These attributes dovetail with the demands of a managed reintroduction program, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and the human ecosystem.

A Comprehensive Strategy: Beyond Conservation

The recommendation for “younger habituated cheetahs” extends beyond the realms of conservation. It encapsulates a comprehensive strategy that amalgamates biodiversity preservation with sustainable tourism. The nexus between human presence, adaptive wildlife behavior, and the burgeoning tourism industry forms the bedrock of this approach.

By embracing younger cheetahs habituated to human interactions, the stage is set for “seamless cohabitation” between species and a flourishing ecosystem that balances the aspirations of conservationists, tourists, and local communities.

Treading the Path Forward: Symbiotic Conservation

In charting the trajectory for cheetah relocation, India stands at the crossroads of “symbiotic conservation.” The symbiosis between conservation and community aspirations underscores the necessity for pragmatic strategies. The counsel of international experts not only underscores the lessons from the field but also serves as a clarion call for a harmonized approach.

As India envisions the return of cheetahs to its landscapes, it does so with an “eye to the future.” The “younger habituated cheetahs” embody the spirit of adaptability and coexistence, nurturing a realm where the wild and the human realms intertwine harmoniously.

Confluence of Vision: A Future for Cheetahs in India

In conclusion, the confluence of “vision” and “wisdom” marks the trajectory of India’s cheetah reintroduction journey. The counsel of international experts, advocating for younger habituated cheetahs, resonates with the spirit of sustainable cohabitation. As the nation takes steady strides towards rewriting the narrative of cheetah conservation, it does so with a profound understanding that “coexistence” is the cornerstone of a future where cheetahs reclaim their place in the Indian wilderness.