Madhya Pradesh: Two Male Cheetahs Introduced to Kuno's Wild Habitat
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Bhopal, Dec 4 (NationPress) On the occasion of International Cheetah Day this Wednesday, two male cheetahs, Agni and Vayu, were introduced into an open wild habitat at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh.
The release of the male cheetahs took place with the oversight of senior wildlife officials associated with Kuno, ensuring that all logistical, safety, and security protocols were meticulously followed to facilitate the seamless transition of Agni and Vayu into their new surroundings.
Kuno officials reported that preparations for the release of cheetahs Agni and Vayu commenced several days prior. The Cheetah Steering Committee, led by Chairman Rajesh Gopal, conducted a site visit to Kuno on Tuesday to assess the final arrangements for the release.
The selection of cheetahs Agni and Vayu for the open wild area was based on their fitness and adaptability to the new environment within Kuno. Officials stated that the release of these cheetahs into open wild areas signifies a remarkable achievement in India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction initiative.
The movements of Agni and Vayu will be under continuous observation to ensure their safety and ability to acclimate to their new habitat. Authorities confirmed that Kuno National Park has been thoroughly prepared to support the cheetahs in their new home, with measures taken to safeguard them from any potential threats.
Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed their joy and congratulated Kuno officials for their unwavering dedication in making the 'Cheetah Project' a success.
India's ambitious 'Project Cheetah' was launched after a 70-year absence of these animals from the country. The inaugural batch of eight cheetahs, relocated from Namibia, was released at Kuno by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2022.
The subsequent batch of 12 cheetahs arrived from South Africa on February 18, 2023. Since the cheetahs were released at MP's Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of the Gwalior-Chambal region, concerns have been raised, particularly after several adult felines died under dubious circumstances.
Nevertheless, Kuno authorities and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the main agency overseeing 'Project Cheetah', have maintained that even if 50 percent of the cheetahs survive, the project would still be deemed successful.
Currently, Kuno is home to a total of 24 cheetahs, including 12 adults (out of the 20 brought from Namibia and South Africa) and 12 cubs born in India. The survival of 12 cubs out of a total of 19 born at Kuno in the past two-and-a-half years is a testament to the success of 'Project Cheetah' in India.
