Cheetah Population Hits 14 in Kuno Park After Botswana Female Release

Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park continues to make headlines in wildlife conservation with the release of a female cheetah from Botswana into the open jungle. This move elevates the count of independently roaming cheetahs to 14, as announced by project officials. Vigilant monitoring remains a priority, with radio collars and specialized teams tracking every move to safeguard the animals. The recent tragedy of Gamini's four cubs passing away had dampened spirits, but recoveries are underway. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's visit on May 11 saw two females set free, briefly raising numbers to 17. The subsequent loss dropped it to 13, but Wednesday's release marks a rebound. Kuno's total cheetah population stands at 50, plus three in Gandhi Sagar, totaling 53 across India. DFO R. Thirukural detailed the efforts: '24/7 observation covers health, diet, and reproduction behaviors through collars and on-ground teams.' The protocol involves quarantine banyas for health checks and acclimatization before freedom. India's flagship project draws cheetahs from African nations, positioning Kuno as the epicenter. While breeding successes inspire hope, the department is adapting strategies from each incident to bolster long-term viability.