FILE – In this photo provided by the Press Information Bureau, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi watches a cheetah after it was released in an enclosure at Kuno National Park, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Sept. 17, 2022. The death of an eighth cheetah in Kuno National Park on Friday, July 14, 2023, has raised new questions about a project that reintroduced the big cats to the subcontinent about 10 months ago that has been mired in controversy since its inception. (Press Information Bureau via AP, File)
BENGALURU – An eighth cheetah death in India’s Kuno National Park last Friday has raised new questions about a project that reintroduced the big cats to the country 10 months ago and has been mired in controversy since its inception.
The latest death was caused by an infestation under a cheetah’s radio collar due to humid and wet weather conditions in central India, according to veterinarians from South Africa who are closely involved with the project.
The Indian government said the cheetah deaths being caused by an infection under their radio collar is “speculation and hearsay.”
Maggot wounds, dehydration, infighting and kidney disease have been some of the causes of death of five adults and three of the four cubs born to a female cheetah earlier this year.
Earlier last week, another adult cheetah was found dead, likely also due to an infestation. Since then, local forest authorities are trying to tranquilize the remaining cheetahs to check for any diseases. Local media reports say a few more of the animals have similar infections.
One South African veterinary wildlife specialist who was instrumental to the animals’ relocation said vets were treated like “window dressing” for the project — rather than being consulted about any health issues — until recently.
Adrian Tordiffe said things changed after Y.V. Jhala, an Indian scientist who devised the reintroduction program, was terminated from his role in the project in February.
“Ever since Professor Jhala was suddenly removed from the project, the Indian authorities have completely shut us out,” said Tordiffe. “This lack of information meant the diagnosis was delayed which potentially puts other cheetahs at risk.
