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29 Oct 2024

Sheopur: MP: Kuno National Park: Free-Roaming Cheetahs Venture Beyond State Borders—What Are the Plans for Their Release into Open Forests?


Sheopur: MP: Kuno National Park: The cheetahs residing in Kuno National Park, located on the Shivpuri-Sheopur border in Madhya Pradesh, have been kept within large enclosures since their relocation last year. Recently, officials have been considering the possibility of releasing these cheetahs into the open forest, though no definitive plan has yet been established.


Interstate Committee to be formed


Before these cheetahs can be released into the open wilderness, a joint committee will be formed, comprising members from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This committee will be tasked with establishing guidelines and deciding on a timeline for releasing the cheetahs into the wild. Madhya Pradesh’s Forest Department has already begun coordinating with officials from the neighboring states in anticipation of this initiative.


Once released, the cheetahs may travel freely across state borders, as their movement will no longer be restricted. Given their potential to roam into Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, collaborative efforts are essential for effective management and monitoring. Following directives from the Central Government, the formation of an interstate committee will streamline the process, as the Center will play a role in providing guidance when the cheetahs approach state borders.


Management Plan for Free-Roaming Cheetahs


After the joint committee is formed, an official Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be developed for cheetah management. This SOP will outline protocols to protect the cheetahs while also ensuring public safety. In addition to managing the cheetahs’ welfare, it will specify procedures for handling any instances where the animals approach human settlements or cross state boundaries. 


Notably, once the cheetahs are released into the wild, the current plan does not include retrieving them back to Kuno National Park; they will remain under surveillance by the respective forest divisions.


Current Cheetah Population in Kuno


Currently, Kuno National Park is home to 12 adult cheetahs and 12 cubs. Previously, one cheetah named Pawan, released on an experimental basis, had crossed the park’s borders and ventured into Rajasthan but eventually returned to Kuno. Sadly, Pawan died in Kuno on August 27, raising the need for a comprehensive management plan that involves multiple states to safeguard these animals. Lessons learned from Pawan’s journey have motivated officials to create an interstate action plan to better protect these cheetahs.


Establishing a Cheetah Corridor


To support the free movement of cheetahs, a cheetah corridor is being planned between Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This corridor will span Kuno National Park and connect with 27 forest divisions across the three states. The identified divisions include 12 in Madhya Pradesh, 13 in Rajasthan, and 2 in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to create a safe and connected route for cheetahs, enabling them to roam naturally across regions while reducing risks to both the cheetahs and local communities.


Through these coordinated efforts, officials hope to establish a safe and sustainable environment for the cheetahs to thrive in their natural habitat.


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