Will the South African female Cheetah and her cubs thrive in Kuno's wilderness?
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Synopsis
Tomorrow marks a significant event in wildlife conservation as Veera, a South African female Cheetah, and her two cubs are set to be released into Kuno National Park. This release not only celebrates the success of Project Cheetah but also aims to boost ecotourism and public awareness about Cheetah conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Veera, the female Cheetah, and her cubs are set for release.
- The event coincides with International Cheetah Day.
- Project Cheetah has seen significant success in increasing the Cheetah population.
- Monitoring systems will ensure the Cheetahs' safety.
- Ecotourism opportunities will arise from their presence.
Bhopal, Dec 3 (NationPress) Tomorrow, a five-year-old South African female Cheetah named Veera (her Indian name) along with her two 10-month-old cubs will be liberated from a spacious enclosure into the open expanses of Kuno National Park (KNP) located in the Sheopur district.
The release is set to be officiated by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a ceremonial event coinciding with International Cheetah Day on December 4.
Veera, among the twelve Cheetahs transported from South Africa in February 2023, successfully gave birth to her two cubs earlier this year, both of which have thrived.
Additionally, the Chief Minister will unveil the Kuno National Park annual calendar for 2026 and a field manual focused on the clinical management of free-ranging Cheetahs.
He will also inaugurate a new souvenir shop within the park, as per a government statement released Wednesday.
The initiative dubbed Project Cheetah, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was introduced to Madhya Pradesh three years ago when Cheetahs were first released at Kuno National Park on his birthday, September 17, 2022, following the arrival of eight Cheetahs from Namibia.
After three years, the total Cheetah population in Kuno and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary has risen to 32, indicating substantial progress of the project.
In this successful journey, five female Cheetahs have produced offspring on six occasions, showcasing the project's success and the resilience of these magnificent creatures as they not only survive but also grow their families.
The government emphasized that the main goal of International Cheetah Day is to elevate awareness regarding the declining Cheetah populations, habitat destruction, and poaching, while advocating for global conservation efforts.
According to Uttam Kumar Sharma, Additional Principal Chief Conservation of Forest (APCCF) and Director of the Lion Project in Madhya Pradesh, ongoing monitoring of the Cheetah family will be conducted using advanced radio-tracking technologies and dedicated field teams to ensure their safety and successful adaptation to their natural habitat.
The release event is scheduled to take place in the Parond Forest area of Kuno National Park, designated as a tourism zone.
Sharma added that the presence of this Cheetah family is anticipated to open new avenues for ecotourism, fostering increased public engagement and interest in Project Cheetah.
Point of View
The release of Cheetah Veera and her cubs into the Kuno National Park signifies a pivotal moment for conservation efforts in India. The ongoing success of Project Cheetah not only showcases the resilience of these animals but also highlights the importance of public engagement in wildlife preservation. As we witness this event, it reinforces our commitment to protecting endangered species and their habitats.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Cheetah?
Project Cheetah is an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reintroduce Cheetahs into Indian wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and promoting conservation efforts.
Where is Kuno National Park located?
Kuno National Park is located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Why is December 4 significant?
December 4 is celebrated as International Cheetah Day, aimed at raising awareness about Cheetah conservation and their declining populations.
How many Cheetahs are currently in Kuno National Park?
As of now, the combined Cheetah population in Kuno and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary has increased to 32.
What measures are being taken for the safety of the Cheetahs?
Continuous monitoring through advanced radio-tracking systems and dedicated field teams will ensure the safety and successful adaptation of the Cheetahs in the wild.
