Evaluate the role of species reintroduction programmes as a conservation tool. Discuss the opportunities and limitations revealed by Project Cheetah.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Q6. Evaluate the role of species reintroduction programmes as a conservation tool. Discuss the opportunities and limitations revealed by Project Cheetah. (10)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question In the context of debates surrounding Project Cheetah and the broader policy discussion on the effectiveness of species reintroduction as a conservation strategy for restoring degraded ecosystems in India. Key Demand of the question The question requires evaluating the role of species reintroduction programmes as a biodiversity conservation tool. It also demands analysing the opportunities and ecological benefits demonstrated by Project Cheetah and the limitations revealed during its implementation. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly situate species reintroduction within modern conservation approaches and mention Project Cheetah as India’s first intercontinental large carnivore reintroduction aimed at restoring grassland ecosystems. Body Role of species reintroduction as a conservation tool: Briefly indicate how such programmes help in restoring ecological functions, recovering locally extinct species and strengthening ecosystem conservation. Opportunities revealed by Project Cheetah: Briefly indicate aspects such as renewed focus on grassland ecosystems, global conservation cooperation and improved wildlife management capacity. Limitations revealed by Project Cheetah: Briefly indicate issues such as habitat suitability, prey-base constraints, mortality and socio-ecological challenges affecting long-term viability. Conclusion Emphasise the need for science-based ecosystem restoration and landscape-scale planning to ensure the success of species reintroduction programmes in India.
Why the question In the context of debates surrounding Project Cheetah and the broader policy discussion on the effectiveness of species reintroduction as a conservation strategy for restoring degraded ecosystems in India.
Key Demand of the question The question requires evaluating the role of species reintroduction programmes as a biodiversity conservation tool. It also demands analysing the opportunities and ecological benefits demonstrated by Project Cheetah and the limitations revealed during its implementation.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Briefly situate species reintroduction within modern conservation approaches and mention Project Cheetah as India’s first intercontinental large carnivore reintroduction aimed at restoring grassland ecosystems.
• Role of species reintroduction as a conservation tool: Briefly indicate how such programmes help in restoring ecological functions, recovering locally extinct species and strengthening ecosystem conservation.
• Opportunities revealed by Project Cheetah: Briefly indicate aspects such as renewed focus on grassland ecosystems, global conservation cooperation and improved wildlife management capacity.
• Limitations revealed by Project Cheetah: Briefly indicate issues such as habitat suitability, prey-base constraints, mortality and socio-ecological challenges affecting long-term viability.
Conclusion Emphasise the need for science-based ecosystem restoration and landscape-scale planning to ensure the success of species reintroduction programmes in India.