The death of three cheetahs relocated from South Africa and Namibia to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP) in less than two months has drawn severe importance from the Supreme Court, which has urged the government to put politics aside and consider moving the animals to Rajasthan.
According to expert studies and publications, it appears that the KNP is insufficient for such a huge number of cheetahs, and the Union government might think about moving them to other sanctuaries, a bench of justices led by BR Gavai and Sanjay Karol informed the Centre.
"Three deaths (of cheetahs) in less than two months is a matter of serious concern. There are opinions of experts and articles in the media. It appears that Kuno is not sufficient for so many cheetahs. There is too much concentration of cheetahs in one place. Why don't you look for a suitable place in Rajasthan? Merely because Rajasthan is ruled by an opposition party does not mean, you will not consider it," the bench said.
Sasha, a female cheetah from Namibia, died on March 27 from kidney illness; Uday, a cheetah from South Africa, lost his life on April 23 from cardio-pulmonary failure; and Daksha, yet another female cheetah from South Africa, suffered fatal injuries on May 9 after being attacked by a male during an attempt at mating.
The bench stated that based on the findings, it appears that one cheetah passed away from kidney-related illness and another passed away after being injured during a dispute between two males over mating.
"We came to know that the cheetah which died due to kidney-related ailment was suffering from the problem before being brought to India. The question is how that female cheetah was cleared to be brought to India if the feline was suffering from an ailment," the bench said.
All of the deceased, according to Bhati, had autopsies, and a task force is investigating the situation.
"You are bringing the cheetahs from abroad, it's a good thing. But they need to be protected. They need to be given suitable habitat, why don't you explore for more suitable habitat than Kuno", the bench said, adding that it is expressing worry about the fatalities rather than criticizing the administration.
One cheetah has given birth to four newborns, according to Bhati, demonstrating the ease with which they are adjusting to Kuno.
The leader of the top court's green bench, Justice Gavai, stated that he is deeply concerned about and devoted to environmental matters.
Cheetah fatalities are not exceptional, according to Bhati, but they are being investigated properly, and the government is willing to provide an extra affidavit with further information if the court requests it.
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