What’s the news?

• According to an ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’, released by the environment ministry during the 19th meeting of National Tiger Conservation Authority, a cohort of around 12 to 14 cheetahs will be imported from South Africa or Namibia and each of them will be fitted with a satellite-GPS-very high frequency radio-collar.

News in detail

• International transportation will be done by either a commercial airline or by a chartered flight following which the wild cats will be transported to Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh.
• According to officials, the world’s fastest land animal was expected to be reintroduced into the country in November 2021 but the plan got derailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• As per the plan, the Union government, along with the ministry of environment and the Cheetah Task Force, will create a formal framework to collaborate with governments of Namibia and/or South Africa, through the ministry of external affairs.

Reference:

1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/india-plans-to-introduce-50-cheetahs-in-5-years-101641433333019.html