Project Cheetah Head On Why Some Big Cats Died During Reintroduction

SP Yadav said that South Africa experienced nine failed attempts and more than 200 cheetah deaths over 20 years before developing expertise in its re-introduction.

Cheetah reintroduction in India is going to be a success considering the country's strong track record in conserving big cats, the project head has said, countering concerns raised by several experts.

In an interview with PTI, SP Yadav, Additional Director General of Forests at the Environment Ministry, said that South Africa experienced nine failed attempts and more than 200 cheetah deaths over 20 years before developing expertise in the re-introduction of the animal.

"The President of South Africa said India is taking good care of big cats and therefore, they want to donate and support India. We have a good track record of saving and conserving big cats like tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and based on that track record and experience I can say that cheetah introduction in India is going to be a success," Mr Yadav said.