9 Cheetahs Die in Kuno National Park: What We Know So Far

Tragic Deaths of Cheetahs in Kuno National Park

The reintroduction of cheetahs to India was a major conservation success story. After being extinct in the country for over 70 years, 20 cheetahs were translocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in 2022. However, the project has been marred by tragedy, with nine cheetahs having died since their arrival.

The causes of the deaths are still being investigated, but some possible factors include:

• Infections from radio collars. The cheetahs were fitted with radio collars to track their movements, but some experts believe that these collars may have caused infections.
• Incompatibility with the habitat. Kuno National Park is a good habitat for cheetahs, but it is possible that the animals are not adapting well to the new environment.
• Predation by other animals. Cheetahs are apex predators, but they are also preyed upon by lions, tigers, and leopards. It is possible that some of the cheetahs have been killed by these predators.

The deaths of the cheetahs are a major setback for the project, but it is important to remember that conservation is a long-term process. There are still many cheetahs in the wild, and with careful management, the Kuno National Park project can still be a success.

Kuno National Park

Cheetah at Kuno National Park

About Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The park is home to a variety of animals, including cheetahs, lions, tigers, leopards, antelope, and birds. Kuno is also home to a number of endangered species, such as the Indian wild dog and the blackbuck.

The park was established in 1981, and it was declared a national park in 1990. Kuno is a popular tourist destination, and it is also an important part of the conservation efforts for the cheetah and other endangered species.

Other Animals in Kuno National Park

In addition to cheetahs, Kuno National Park is home to a variety of other animals, including:

• Lions
• Tigers
• Leopards
• Antelope
• Blackbuck
• Indian wild dog
• Wild boar
• Nilgai
• Spotted deer
• Sloth bear
• Rhesus monkey

The park is also home to a number of birds, including:

• Peacock
• Sarus crane
• Great Indian bustard
• Lesser florican
• Indian peafowl
• Indian roller
• Common hoopoe
• Indian Cuckoo
• Asian honey buzzard

Conclusion

The tragic deaths of the cheetahs in Kuno National Park are a setback for the project, but it is important to remember that conservation is a long-term process. With careful management, the Kuno National Park project can still be a success.