Harshika Chowdary
02-06-2023
In a significant step towards reintroducing cheetahs into the wild, Kuno National Park (KNP) is preparing to welcome six more of these majestic felines, as confirmed by Dr Rajesh Gopal, the head of the Cheetah Steering Committee. This committee, comprising national and international experts responsible for overseeing the implementation of Project Cheetah, has given its approval for the release, citing satisfactory arrangements, management, and monitoring.
The six cheetahs, consisting of two male and one female coalition, a male-female pair, and a solitary male, are currently residing in separate hunting enclosures. Their release is scheduled to commence during the third week of June. Dr Gopal reassures the public that there is no cause for alarm, as the cheetahs are adapting well to their surroundings, and adequate security measures have been put in place.
One of the concerns raised pertains to the availability of sufficient space within Kuno National Park. Dr Gopal addresses this by emphasizing that the park offers ample room for the cheetahs. With approximately 6,800 square kilometers of wilderness encompassing the park, including the Madhav National Park and other additional areas, the existing space is considered more than adequate for the planned population of 21 cheetahs.
Prior to their release, the committee experts will collaborate with the KNP authorities to conduct a landscape fragmentation analysis using remote sensing data and geographic information systems. This analysis aims to identify areas that may pose vulnerabilities to the movement of cheetahs, providing valuable insights for future conservation efforts.
In order to ensure the long-term success of cheetah conservation, the steering committee has strongly recommended that KNP authorities establish a community stewardship system. This system involves training and compensating local residents for actively participating in patrols alongside the park’s departmental staff. This approach, which has proven successful in tiger conservation, aims to engage the local community in safeguarding the cheetahs and their natural habitat.
While there have been six deaths, including three newborn cubs, within the past two months, Dr Gopal asserts that these losses were a natural occurrence. Fortunately, the remaining cub is in good health and may soon be relocated from the treatment facility, indicating positive prospects for its well-being.
Kuno National Park is on the verge of a remarkable milestone as it prepares to release six cheetahs into the wild. This event represents a major step forward in the park’s mission to reintroduce and safeguard these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The combined efforts of national and international experts, working collaboratively with effective management strategies, have laid a strong foundation for the successful reestablishment of cheetahs in the region. Moreover, the implementation of a landscape fragmentation analysis, coupled with the active involvement of the local community, adds an additional layer of strength to the conservation initiatives.
This comprehensive approach ensures a sustainable future for the cheetah population within Kuno National Park. With the imminent release of these six cheetahs, the park’s dedication to protecting and preserving these endangered animals is evident. The careful planning and execution, supported by the expertise of professionals, demonstrate the commitment to reestablishing a stable and thriving cheetah population. By embracing both scientific analysis and community engagement, Kuno National Park is poised to create a harmonious balance between conservation efforts and the local ecosystem.
The release of these cheetahs represents a crucial step towards achieving the long-term goal of restoring the park’s ecological diversity and ensuring the survival of these incredible felines. Kuno National Park’s unwavering commitment to cheetah conservation serves as a beacon of hope for the species, inspiring similar initiatives worldwide. Through continued collaboration, effective management, and the active participation of the community, the park is paving the way for a brighter future where cheetahs once again roam freely in their natural habitat
