India and Botswana have signed a new agreement to translocate cheetahs from Botswana to India. This decision aims to support India’s cheetah conservation programme and help increase the population of the species in the country.
The announcement was made during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, where she assured that India will take “very good care” of the cheetahs. She thanked Botswana for trusting India and said that this partnership will help protect wildlife and strengthen ties between the two nations.
According to officials, the agreement includes cooperation in wildlife conservation, sharing scientific knowledge, and safely relocating cheetahs. The two countries will work together to ensure the animals are moved in a secure and healthy manner.
India had earlier brought cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa as part of Project Cheetah to reintroduce the species, which had gone extinct in the country in 1952. The new pact with Botswana is another important step to increase the genetic diversity of cheetahs living in India’s wildlife reserves.
Experts say the arrival of more cheetahs will help boost India’s conservation efforts and may support eco-tourism in the future. The government also said it will continue to improve habitat conditions to make sure the animals can adapt well.
Officials in Botswana said they are happy to support India’s conservation programme and believe that this cooperation will benefit both countries.