INDIA'S BIZARRE CHEETAH QUEST

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1462835,0008.htm

Cheetah quest may take India to Africa

 

Chetan Chauhan

 

New Delhi, August 15, 2005

 

Iran’s refusal to help India clone the Asiatic cheetah, which disappeared from

the country half a century ago, has not deterred Indian scientists from going

ahead with the chase for the extinct big cat. An alternative genetic hunt is set

to move further afield, perhaps as far as Africa.

 

The country's first animal cloning project, undertaken by the Hyderabad-based

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), may be pursued with the help

of cheetahs from the Middle East or African countries.

 

“The cheetah, which was last seen in India in the 1950s, is available in the

Middle East and Africa. We may seek help from these countries to bring back the

Asiatic cheetah to the country,” a senior government official said.

 

The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 5 crore.

 

However, the work of identifying a new source for cloning is at the preliminary

stage. “We are working on alternative options,” an official said.

 

As per the project, scientists will take genetic material from live cheetah

cells and infuse it into emptied leopard eggs. The resulting embryos will then

be carried to term in leopard surrogates. The researches will employ techniques

similar to those used by American scientists who are in the process of cloning

an endangered Indian wild ox.

 

Cloning of animals is generally regarded as difficult and often involves a

tedious procedure of several trials before there is a successful birth.

 

According to environment ministry officials, the Iranian external affairs

ministry explained their refusal of help to New Delhi in July by saying: “The

Asian wildcat is an endangered species in Iran and basic research has not been

completed regarding the wildcat. To help safeguard the living habitat of the

species, any action that may disturb the habitat is forbidden”.

 

Instead, Iran suggested that India turn to African wildcats.

 

Ministry officials admitted that Iran’s refusal was a major setback to the

project but sounded optimistic. Dr Lalji Singh of CCMB, who pioneered DNA use in

crime investigations, has been asked to look for a viable alternative.

 

“We have asked them for other options as the project is the first of its kind in

the country and is very important for the government,” an official said.