African Cheetahs in India: Releasing Predators Back into the Wild

Nearly a year after being brought back to enclosures for health check-ups, African cheetahs in India's Kuno National Park will be released back into the wild. The phased release follows the monsoon and addresses issues that affect cheetahs’ health, including unexpected winter coats and septicemia-related deaths.

Officials have confirmed that the African cheetahs brought to India will soon roam free in the wild again. The release, planned after the monsoon season, comes nearly a year after the cheetahs were returned to enclosures in Kuno National Park for health assessments and monitoring.

The Centre's Cheetah Project Steering Committee made the decision to reintroduce the cheetahs in phases. Adult cheetahs will be back in the wild once the rains cease, while cubs and their mothers will follow by December.

Health issues such as unexpected winter coats leading to infections had previously impacted the cheetahs. Following measures to counter these issues, officials believe the cheetahs are now ready for a phased return to the wild.

(With inputs from agencies.)