Management issues led to most Cheetah deaths: Project lead scientist YK Jhala

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

YK Jhala was lead scientist of Project Cheetah from 2010 to February 2023. He escorted the cheetahs when they arrived from Namibia and was involved in the project to bring the animals to India since its inception in 2009.

He talks to Prerna Katiyar on what could have been done to avoid the casualties and why the project is still poised for success. Edited excerpts:India has lost six cheetahs relocated from Namibia and South Africa and three cubs. What are the systemic problems, you think, that led to the casualties? It is heartening to know that none of the cheetahs have died from leopards or poachers — the worst threats anticipated.

Most deaths are related to management and monitoring — out of ignorance and have been very expensive learning for the project personnel. On such prestigious, international, high-profile projects, trained and experienced persons should have been appointed to take decisions on the ground — there is no place for learning on the job. Wildlife biologists have accused the government of keeping them in the dark about the health of the animals. Do you agree? I am not aware of current communications between the international expert team that was selected and coordinated by me and government officials.

As long as I was in service, I was responsible to seek their opinions wherever required.What flaws do you see in the implementation of the translocation programme?The project is poised for success; these are teething problems that can be resolved by appointing the right set of experts to lead the project.Do you feel translocation of African cheetahs to India was a good idea?Yes, of course! Cheetahs from India and Africa are both the same species. Now that India has addressed all the causes that led to