The decision was taken after six of the newly translocated cheetahs, including three newborn cubs, died within two and half months at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The 11-member committee will be headed by Rajesh Gopal, secretary general of Global Tiger Forum. A panel of international cheetah experts has also been formed for consultation.
“The committee, tasked to review the progress of cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa, will be in force for a period of two years and will hold at least one meeting every month, besides taking field visits as and when required,” the NTCA said in a notification issued hours after two more cubs of Namibian cheetah Jwala died on Thursday.
Four cheetah cubs were born in India to the wild cats that were reintroduced in the country after seven decades. The cheetah cubs born to the Namibian cheetah died of dehydration and malnourishment, according to a MP forest department statement on May 25.
The only surviving cub is being treated by vets in consultation with Namibian and South African experts. Its mother is said to be healthy, but being monitored.
The cheetah count at Kuno now stands at 18. Out of 17 adults, seven are Namibians and 10 South African.