Tragic Loss: Injured Indian-Born Cheetah Passes Away at Kuno National Park

A female cheetah, born in India, tragically passed away on Saturday while receiving medical care at a veterinary facility in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The young cheetah, identified as KGP11, was discovered with injuries near Pahargarh in the Morena district on June 1. Following her discovery, she was promptly transported to the Palpur veterinary facility in the national park for urgent treatment.

Despite the dedicated efforts of veterinary professionals and field teams, KGP11 succumbed to her injuries that evening. Uttam Sharma, the Field Director of the Cheetah Project, confirmed the unfortunate news in a press release. He stated, “Despite all efforts by the veterinary and field teams, it succumbed to injuries this evening.” A post-mortem examination has been scheduled for June 7 to determine the exact cause of death.

This heartbreaking incident marks the 23rd cheetah death in India since the species was reintroduced to the country. Currently, there are 52 cheetahs residing in India, with 49 of them located in Kuno National Park and three in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Among those in Kuno, 32 are Indian-born cheetahs, and Out of these, 19 are currently roaming freely in their natural habitat.

The reintroduction initiative began in September 2022 when cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were brought back to India, a moment celebrated as a significant step towards reviving the population of this majestic species, which had been declared extinct in India for nearly seven decades. The cheetah’s return to Indian landscapes is not only vital for biodiversity but also serves as a cultural symbol of conservation efforts in the nation.

In light of this recent loss, wildlife experts and conservationists are closely monitoring the remaining cheetah population in Kuno National Park. Authorities assure that the remaining cheetahs are in good health and continue to thrive in their environment. The commitment to preserving and nurturing the cheetah population remains a high priority as efforts continue to secure a stable and flourishing ecosystem.

Source: scroll.in