Behind the Scenes of the Cheetah to India Relocation

Introduction into Conservation

Embarking on the “Project Cheetah” assignment represents a pinnacle in my journey into the conservation media realm ( as of Feb 2023). My connection to this world began serendipitously years ago during my initial visit to Africa. At that time, I was an enthusiastic tourist, thrilled at the mere sight of an impala.

At a private game reserve dinner and fundraiser sponsored by Painted Dog Wines, I fortuitously met Dereck van der Merwe, Vincent van der Merwe’s brother.

Dereck mentioned that I should come film for them, the next month, when I received a message that there was an upcoming Wild Dogs collaring project I could come film, I was on the first flight there- excited beyond belief. The project was an absolute dream come true, filming from before the break of dawn and spending time with an amazing team in the bush.

After several thrilling days of filming, Dereck suggested I connect with his brother, Vincent, a National Geographic Explorer, aware of my aspirations to become one as well. Almost a year passed when I finally took the leap of faith and sent Vincent an email, and on a rainy morning in Virginia, I was greeted by a fateful call in response to my email. Vincent invited me to join him in the field. In the subsequent months, we spent several intensive weeks together, relocating cheetahs throughout South Africa. Those weeks were among the most rewarding of my life, marked by diligent work, unparalleled filming experiences, and wonderful camaraderie.

In the following months, Vincent extended an invitation for me to contribute media work to one of his most pivotal projects.

Achievements & Challenges in Cheetah Conservation

Vincent’s conservation efforts have realized a significant increase in cheetah numbers, from 217 in 2011 to 470 today, spread across 65 reserves in Southern Africa. This growth, however, also poses a challenge: habitat saturation. South Africa now faces a dilemma – find more habitats or relocate these cheetahs to regions within their historical range.

To address this, DNA testing in partnership with the Pretoria Zoological Department ensures the right cheetahs are selected for relocation, strengthening genetic diversity. Furthermore, Vincent’s extensive database aids various studies, spanning from tick disease to post-release movement patterns.

A Global Cheetah Project

Once native to India, cheetahs disappeared from the landscape in the 1950s. Decades passed before the groundbreaking “Project Cheetah” was launched, aiming to reintroduce these majestic cats to their ancestral lands. Following his departure from the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Vincent van der Merwe established The Metapopulation Initiative, which is at the forefront of this ambitious endeavour.

Why India?

Known for their resilience, cheetahs are adept at surviving in diverse climates, a fact bolstered by their thriving in areas ranging from the chilly Karoo to the sweltering northwest of South Africa.

Their reintroduction to India isn’t just ecological; it’s socio-economic. Local communities stand to benefit through enhanced livelihood opportunities, especially in eco-tourism. The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Ecotourism Boards have transformed many tribal homes into homestays, and locals are being trained as tour guides.

Pre-Event

I was privileged to spend several weeks photographing the cheetahs before their journey to India. While they were in their bomas – specialized enclosures designed for temporary housing before transport – I observed the meticulous care and planning dedicated to ensuring their well-being. We devoted extensive hours to procuring fresh game for them, and the expert on-site wildlife vet, alongside his dedicated team, conducted daily check-ups.

The Final Day

The culmination of this project was a demanding day in Limpopo. Twelve cheetahs were to be darted and crated. Ensuring the animals’ safety during this procedure and subsequent transport was paramount.

I reached the location the previous evening. A media briefing was conducted with international news agencies crowding the space, creating an electric atmosphere of anticipation.

Following a brief but restful night, we rose before dawn to commence the darting process. The event was executed with remarkable precision, keeping the cheetahs’ welfare at the forefront. Media teams were given regulated access to film the darting throughout the day, using designated vehicles to avoid interference.

The morning was consumed by the darting process, followed by a 3.5-hour drive to Johannesburg. Due to the volume of crates, an additional driver was required, so I drove an air-conditioning-deprived farm bakkie to the airport with two cheetahs. After dropping off the crates, I drove back to the farm another 3.5 hours at night, followed by an 8-hour journey to a funeral I was set to attend the next day. Needless to say, I had a good sleep once that was over- but it was so worth it.

With Vincent’s logistical prowess and team’s, the cheetahs commenced their journey to India.

The Way Forward

Vincent’s blueprint for the next decade underscores the importance of strategic animal relocation. The goal is not just to reintroduce the cheetahs but to cultivate a genetically diverse and thriving population for the future.

What’s alarming, and largely unknown in Western countries, is the distressing reality faced by many of Africa’s iconic wildlife. When a reserve reaches its carrying capacity or struggles financially to sustain a predator’s hunting habits or anti-poaching measures, drastic measures, such as sterilization or sometimes even euthanization, are taken for even iconic species like cheetahs, lions, and elephants.

For all these animals, it’s crucial to either secure more land and devise financially sustainable strategies to support lesser-visited reserves, which face challenges in generating sufficient revenue from photographic tourism.

Vincent’s methodology of managing overpopulation and dispersing species based on genetic considerations sets a precedent. It offers a model that can and should be adapted for other species dealing with similar challenges.

As I document and bear witness to these efforts, I harbor a personal dream: to one day rewild a tract of land and give a new home to animals in need. The work Vincent and his team are doing is an inspiration, showcasing what’s possible when passion, science, hard work, and commitment come together. Please give them a follow on Instagram the_metapopulation_initiative, and feel free to message me directly to learn how you can either donate or even get involved in the field with us.

Thanks for reading! 🙂