Sheopur: As part of India’s ambitious Project Cheetah, preparations are underway to bring the third batch of cheetahs to the country. This time, eight cheetahs are set to be translocated from Botswana. In this connection, a three-member delegation from Botswana recently visited Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park to review the readiness of facilities and management arrangements.
Botswana Team Visits Kuno National Park
The delegation comprised Dr. Emmadi Ruben, Veterinary Officer from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks under Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Security Officer Adrian Kholi, and Biologist Femelo Gadimang. The team arrived in Sheopur on Wednesday and was warmly received by officials of Kuno National Park.
During their visit, the Botswana officials conducted a detailed field inspection of the park. They reviewed the specially developed quarantine enclosures, assessed food and water arrangements for the cheetahs, and examined overall infrastructure created for their safe acclimatization.
Praise for Project Cheetah Arrangements
Kuno National Park authorities made a comprehensive presentation to the visiting delegation, highlighting the progress of Project Cheetah over the past three years. The presentation included details of habitat management, monitoring systems, veterinary care, and safety protocols.
Impressed by the arrangements, the Botswana officials appreciated the efforts of Indian authorities and stated that the cheetah reintroduction programme at Kuno National Park is moving in the right direction and progressing toward success.
Senior Officials Present During Inspection
Several senior forest officials were present during the visit, including Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Uttam Kumar Thirukural and other departmental officers. Field Director of Project Cheetah, Uttam Kumar Sharma, later confirmed the visit in a phone conversation with Aaj Tak, stating that the delegation carefully reviewed all preparations related to cheetah shifting and habitat readiness.
Next Stop: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
After concluding their visit to Kuno National Park, the Botswana delegation is scheduled to travel to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district on Thursday. The sanctuary is also being assessed as part of India’s long-term plans for cheetah conservation and habitat expansion.
Eight Cheetahs Likely to Arrive in January
It is noteworthy that under an agreement signed last month between India and Botswana, eight cheetahs are to be brought to India. These cheetahs are expected to arrive in January, marking another significant milestone for Project Cheetah. The current visit by the Botswana delegation is part of the final evaluation and coordination process ahead of the translocation.
With international cooperation and sustained conservation efforts, Project Cheetah continues to strengthen India’s wildlife restoration initiatives.
