The cheetah was declared extinct species in India in the year 1952. The Narendra Modi government is working towards reintroduction of the cheetah.
On the occasion of World Wild Life Day 2021, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar took to Twitter and said that the government is working towards reintroduction of the cheetah in India.
The cheetah was declared extinct species in India in the year 1952. Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo of Koriya is believed to have hunted and shot the last three recorded Asiatic cheetahs in India in 1947. Now, over 70 years later, the fastest land animal appears set to make a comeback in India.
1. About Cheetah
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Cheetah is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land mammal on land, the cheetah can reach speeds of 60 or perhaps even 70 miles (97 or 113 kilometers) an hour over short distances. The cheetah's excellent eyesight helps it find prey during the day. The cheetah is hard to see because its spotted coat blends with the tall, dry grass of the plains.
2. Why are Cheetah called 'Big Cats'?
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Cheetahs are called 'Big Cats' because of their size, strength, and predatory skills. Tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, and cougars are also part of this grouping.
3. Prakash Javadekar said the government is working on the reintroduction of Cheetah
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The Narendra Modi government is working on the reintroduction of the cheetah, which went extinct in 1952. This Big Cat will be a reality soon.
4. Supreme Court-appointed committee has selected four possible sites
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Earlier in January 2021, a Supreme Court-appointed committee selected four possible sites - three in Madhya Pradesh and one in Rajasthan - for cheetah reintroduction in India.
5. Cheetah comeback on an experimental basis
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The top court in January 2020 gave its approval to introduce African cheetahs to suitable habitats in India on an experimental basis.
