Important Facts For Prelims
Introduction of African Cheetah in India
- 29 Jan 2020
- 2 min read
Why in News
- Recently, the Supreme Court has lifted its seven-year-long stay on a proposal to introduce African Cheetahs from Namibia into the Indian habitat.
- Court has now allowed to initiate the re-introduction of foreign Cheetahs into the Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh on an experimental basis. In 1952, the Asiatic Cheetah was officially declared extinct from India.
| Sr. No. | Parameter | African Cheetah | Asiatic Cheetah |
| 1. | IUCN status | Vulnerable | Critically Endangered. |
| 2. | CITES status | Appendix-I of the List. This List comprises of migratory species that have been assessed as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range. | Appendix-I of the List. |
| 3. | Habitat | Around 6,500-7,000 African cheetahs present in the wild. | 40-50 found only in Iran. |
| 4. | Physical Characteristics | Bigger in size as compared to Asiatic Cheetah. | Smaller and paler than the African cheetah. Has more fur, a smaller head and a longer neck. Usually have red eyes and they have a more cat-like appearance. |
| 5. | Image |  |
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Note:
- According to the United Nations, Cheetahs are listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, but a recent study revealed the decline in its significant population. Hence, scientists are demanding for cheetahs to be uplisted to “Endangered” category.
- In North Africa and Asia, they are considered to be “Critically Endangered.”
