Jabalpur’s Rare Cheetah Skeleton: A Glimpse into the Past
Cheetahs vanished from India over 75 years ago. Recently, the government has started bringing them back from Namibia. Interestingly, a preserved Indian cheetah skeleton is still on display at the Government Model Science College in Jabalpur. This museum is home to over 700 animal skeletons and various intriguing artifacts, showcasing a part of our natural history.
The college was established back in 1873 by the British. It’s well-regarded for its science programs, making a mark in Madhya Pradesh’s educational landscape. The skeleton resides within the Zoology Department’s museum, which began its collection in 1957. Dr. Sunita Sharma, the head of the department, mentions that many of the exhibits are likely older than the museum itself.
She explains how the current reintroduction of cheetahs highlights the importance of this skeleton. “From the cheetah’s claws to its teeth, everything is preserved,” she notes. This cheetah skeleton seems to be from an adult animal, kept safe with naphthalene balls and a formalin solution.
Dr. Sharma points out that the museum isn’t just for students from the college. Anyone studying zoology can come to explore, making it a valuable resource for education. “We have specimens from around the world. They include seals from Antarctica, various birds, and even human bones,” she adds.
The museum’s unique collection is difficult to replicate today due to stricter laws against capturing and preserving animals. The way specimens are handled has changed significantly. Dr. Sharma shares that many of the preserved animals are treated carefully after their death. Their organs are removed, treated, stuffed, and then covered in actual skin to maintain their shape.
This museum serves as a time capsule, offering insights into wildlife that many may never see in real life. The role it plays in education and research is invaluable, and it underscores the importance of conservation efforts for species like the cheetah, which is on the verge of revival in India.
For more about wildlife conservation efforts and the complexities involved, you can check the World Wildlife Fund’s insights.
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