Cheetah deaths at Kuno not low, but no reason to disbelieve govt efforts, says SC

The bench, however, remarked that the death of six out of 20 cheetahs brought into the country, and three of four cubs born in India, is “not low”.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said every attempt is being made to ensure the well-being of the animals. She pointed out that the Centre had given shape to an 11-member expert committee to monitor the health of the surviving cheetahs and sought to assure the court that the government will take inputs from international cheetah conservationists.

Bhati reiterated that the deaths were not alarming and even a 50 percent survival rate is good enough. The ASG said some of the media reports are not correct and the government is planning to bring out figures.

Justice Narasimha remarked, “But the number of deaths is not low” and added that the general public is also concerned about what is being done about these deaths.

Bhati said the numbers appeared high, as nine deaths included the three cubs born in India.

The court asked whether she was trying to say that everything is alright, to which Bhati said she was not saying that and added that wildlife experts are also being consulted.