21 Jul Radio Collar Causing Infections in Cheetahs
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Radio Collar Causing Infections in Cheetahs”. The topic “Radio Collar Causing Infections in Cheetahs” has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
About Radio Collars?
Challenges Associated with Radio Collars?
For Mains:
GS 3: Environment
Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India?
Project Implementation and Challenges?
Conservation Efforts and Measures?
Why in the news?
Suraj, the three-year-old cheetah found dead in the wild in Madhya Pradesh, had died of septicaemia caused due to skin chafing by his radio collar, the chairman of the Cheetah Task Force has said.
Radio Collars:
- Radio collars are used to track and monitor animals in the wild, providing data on behavior, migration, and population dynamics.
- They consist of a collar with a small radio transmitter and can be combined with GPS or accelerometers for additional information.
- Collars are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for animals, but potential risks like injuries or infections must be managed.
Challenges Associated with Radio Collars:
Festering Neck Wounds and Septicaemia:
- Two cheetahs in the Kuno National Park died due to suspected septicaemia caused by festering neck wounds from radio collars.
- Other cheetahs in the project have exhibited similar injuries, raising concerns about using radio collars in the cheetah reintroduction project.
Problems with Long-term Collar Usage:
- Long-term wear of collars can have downsides, including bacterial presence and skin issues like dermatitis in watch wearers and pet dogs.
- Tight-fitting collars can cause pressure necrosis and rapid hair loss around the neck in animals, similar to bedsores.
Weight Considerations:
- Radio collars should ideally be kept below 3% of the animal’s body weight.
- Fitting collars on cheetahs can be challenging due to their small necks, especially for younger animals.
Vulnerability to Collar-Induced Injuries:
- Cheetahs’ thick winter coat can retain more water, making them vulnerable to collar-related issues.
- Forces exerted by collars during movement can surpass the collar’s weight, leading to potential injuries.
Lack of Adaptation to Monsoon Conditions:
- Secondary bacterial infections under collars may be more common in Indian conditions due to the monsoon and humidity.
- Cheetahs in historical times did not wear collars during the monsoon, suggesting a potential lack of adaptation to local climate conditions.
Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India:
- The Cheetah Reintroduction Project aims to restore the population of cheetahs in India, which were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
- The project involves translocating cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
- Radio-collared cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park, and monitoring and conservation efforts are ongoing.
Project Implementation and Challenges:
The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is a collaborative effort between the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and cheetah experts from Namibia and South Africa. However, implementing the project comes with various challenges that need to be addressed:
- Monitoring: Effective monitoring of the reintroduced cheetah population is crucial to understanding their behavior, health, and adaptation to the new environment.
- Protection: Ensuring the safety and protection of the reintroduced cheetahs from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and other threats is a significant challenge.
- Management: Proper management and coordination among various stakeholders are essential for the success of the reintroduction project.
- Conservation Measures: Efforts are being made to improve conservation measures based on consultations with international experts.
- Cheetah Research Center: The establishment of a dedicated Cheetah Research Center aims to provide valuable insights and data to support the conservation efforts.
Conservation Efforts and Measures:
To ensure the long-term success of the reintroduced cheetah population, the government is undertaking several conservation efforts:
- Expert Review: Independent experts are assessing monitoring protocols, protection status, managerial inputs, veterinary facilities, and capacity building to enhance the project’s effectiveness.
- Habitat Expansion: Efforts are being made to expand the forest areas under Kuno National Park’s administrative control to provide a suitable and secure habitat for the cheetahs.
- Frontline Staff: Additional frontline staff is being deployed to enhance the monitoring and protection of the cheetahs in their new habitat.
- Cheetah Protection Force: The establishment of a specialized Cheetah Protection Force will aid in safeguarding the reintroduced cheetahs from potential threats.
- Second Home for Cheetahs: The creation of a second home for cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is intended to provide an alternative site for their conservation and population growth.
| Characteristic | Asiatic Cheetah | African Cheetah |
| Physical Appearance | Smaller in size and more compact | Slightly larger and more slender |
| Geographic Range | Once found in parts of Asia | Found in various regions of Africa |
| Habitat Preferences | Prefers arid and semi-arid landscapes like deserts, scrublands, and mountains | Diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands |
| Coat Color and Pattern | Tawny or pale yellowish coat with few or no spots; some individuals may have faint spots | Tawny with black spots arranged in distinctive rows |
| Genetic Differences | Slightly different genetic makeup from African cheetahs | More genetic diversity due to larger population and range |
| Population Status | Critically endangered with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild | Vulnerable with relatively higher population numbers in some areas |
| Behavior and Hunting Strategies | Similar hunting behavior, relying on speed and agility to catch prey; more solitary in behavior | Similar hunting strategies, using bursts of speed to chase and capture prey |
| Conservation Efforts | Conservation efforts focused on protecting and increasing populations in Iran and nearby regions | Several conservation initiatives in different African countries to preserve and protect the African cheetah population |
Q.1 Consider the following:
- Black-necked crane
- Cheetah
- Flying squirrel
- Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Q.2 Which of the following statements about Cheetahs in India is/are correct?
- The Cheetah was declared extinct in the country in 1952.
- The Cheetah Project commenced with the translocation of cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Madhya Pradesh.
- The Radio Collar is harmless to Cheetah.
- The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is solely implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with international cheetah experts.
Select the correct option:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Answer: (d)
Q.3 Discuss the significance of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India. Examine the challenges faced in reintroducing cheetahs and the measures taken by the government to ensure their long-term conservation.
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