Prime Minister Modi Highlights Cheetah Conservation on International Cheetah Day

Celebrating International Cheetah Day

New Delhi, Dec 4: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated International Cheetah Day, emphasizing India's achievements in wildlife conservation and the vital role of local communities in these efforts.

Every year on December 4, International Cheetah Day is observed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cheetahs, the fastest land animals, and to promote global conservation initiatives aimed at their survival.

This day serves to inform the public about the threats to this iconic species and the necessity for ongoing environmental protection.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister expressed, "On International Cheetah Day, I extend my best wishes to all wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists committed to safeguarding the cheetah, one of the planet's most extraordinary creatures."

He reflected on the government's launch of Project Cheetah three years ago, aimed at ensuring the safety of this "magnificent animal" and revitalizing the ecosystem essential for its long-term survival.

PM Modi characterized the initiative as a means to "restore lost ecological heritage and enhance our biodiversity."

He proudly noted that India now hosts several cheetahs, including those born in the country, thriving in locations like Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. He also highlighted the increasing interest in cheetah tourism.

"Many of them now thrive in the Kuno National Park and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. It is heartening to see cheetah tourism growing in popularity as well. I encourage more wildlife enthusiasts from across the world to visit India and witness the cheetah in all its splendour," he stated.

PM Modi further emphasized that the progress in cheetah conservation has been made possible through the collective efforts of citizens.

"Our advancements in cheetah conservation have been achievable only through the support of our people, particularly our dedicated Cheetah Mitras. Protecting wildlife and coexisting with nature are fundamental to India's civilizational ethos, and we see that spirit alive today in these efforts," he added.

PM Modi has significantly advanced cheetah conservation in India, playing a key role in launching 'Project Cheetah', an international initiative to reintroduce cheetahs into India after their extinction in 1952.

The project commenced on September 17, 2022, with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh by PM Modi.

This marked the return of the long-extinct cheetahs to the country's ecosystem.

International Cheetah Day was established by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a leading organization dedicated to the global protection of cheetahs.

The date honors the life of 'Khayam', a cheetah cub raised by CCF founder Dr. Laurie Marker, whose story highlighted the urgent need for conservation as cheetah populations rapidly declined.

Historically found across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, cheetahs now face severe threats from habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and conflicts with human settlements. Their populations have sharply decreased, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild. Some subspecies, including the Asiatic cheetah, are critically endangered, underscoring the necessity for ongoing conservation efforts both in India and globally.