NEW DELHI: The second batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa is likely to reach India in February. The two countries have signed an agreement for relocation of the animals, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change said on Friday.
As per the officials, the plan is to translocate at least 12 big cats annually for the next 8-10 years. “An encouraging development for Project Cheetah. A matter of pride for nature lovers. Restoring cheetahs is a priority for the govt led by PM Shri @narendramodi ji with far-reaching conservation consequences.
India looks forward to welcoming the cheetahs from South Africa,” Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav tweeted. The cats will join eight cheetahs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, brought in from Namibia last year.
“The MoU facilitates cooperation to establish a viable cheetah population in India; promotes conservation and ensures that expertise is shared, and capacity built, to promote cheetah conservation,” said the ministry.