Kuno National Park: The Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, by welcoming 12 African cheetahs, is marking a historic moment for the country’s wildlife conservation efforts. The big cats are all set to arrive at the park today and will be the first of their species to be reintroduced in India after being declared extinct in the country for more than seven decades.
The relocation of the cheetahs is part of a collaborative effort between the Indian government and the African nation of Namibia, from where the animals are being sourced. They were brought in Air Force plane which landed in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior. The project, which has been in the works for several years, is in line to reintroduce the cheetahs in India and create a second home for the species, which is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The cheetahs were Darted & Sedated, Hydrated with Drips while they were being bought here and will be kept in an enclosed environment at the park initially and will undergo a period of acclimatization before being released into the wild. The park’s officials have reassured that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals during their stay in the park.
The reintroduction of cheetahs in India has been a contentious issue in the past, with some experts raising concerns over the feasibility of the project. However, the government has maintained that the initiative will not only boost the country’s biodiversity but also attract tourists and boost local economies.
The Kuno National Park, which spans over 750 square kilometers, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and antelopes. The park has been selected as the ideal location for the reintroduction of cheetahs due to its suitable habitat and good availability of prey.
