Cheetah Project Under Fire After Stone-Pelting Incident Raises Eyebrows

A female cheetah and her cubs were attacked by villagers in Madhya Pradesh, sparking criticism over Project Cheetah's effectiveness. This incident highlights concerns from conservationists and wildlife activists about habitat suitability and public awareness, as India attempts to reintroduce cheetahs after 70 years of local extinction.

A disturbing incident unfolded as villagers in Madhya Pradesh pelted a female cheetah and her four cubs with stones while the animals attempted to hunt a calf. The uproar, occurring near a village in Sheopur district, has prompted conservationists and wildlife activists to scrutinize the effectiveness of Project Cheetah.

Project Cheetah, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022, aims to restore the cheetah population in India by introducing African cheetahs to Kuno National Park. However, the clash between the local populace and these wild animals has raised questions about the project's implementation and habitat suitability.

Officials urge villagers to remain calm and allow cheetahs to roam freely, assuring compensation for any livestock losses. Despite established monitoring teams, the incident exposes a gap in public awareness and effective conservation practices, signifying a potential 'reality check' for the authorities involved in the project.

(With inputs from agencies.)