SC allows Centre to bring African cheetah to suitable wildlife habitat in India

Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Centre to introduce African cheetah to a suitable habitat in India. Stating that rare Indian cheetah is almost extinct in country, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) h filed an application seeking permission for introduction of African cheetah from Namibia.

apex court set up a three-member committee, comprising former director Wildlife of India Ranjit Singh, DG of Wildlife of India Dhananjay Mohan, and DIG, Wildlife, Ministry of Environment and Forests to guide NTCA in taking a decision on issue. A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said apex court will monitor project and committee will submit its report before it every four months.

top court also said decision for relocation of African cheetah will be taken after a proper survey and action of introduction of animal will be left to NTCA's discretion. It said NCTA will be guided by committee of experts who will carry out a survey for best location.

It was submitted before apex court that African cheetah will be introduced on an experimental basis in best suitable habitat to see wher it can apt to Indian conditions.

(Im Credits: AP)