This was the only free ranging cheetah to have survived in Kuno. With this death, KNP is left with 24 cheetahs, including 12 adults and as many cubs.

Background   

• Project Cheetah (2022) was initiated to introduce the only extinct large carnivore species, the Cheetah.
  • The Cheetahs were sourced from South Africa and Namibia.
  • Conservation efforts will safeguard the prey base, including threatened species, and protect other endangered species in grasslands and open forest ecosystems.

Challenges faced by Cheetahs in Kuno National Park

• Biorhythm challenges: Due to the differences in circadian rhythms between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, some cheetahs developed thick winter coats during the Indian summer and monsoon, anticipating the African winter.
  • As reported, to avoid biorhythm complications, India considered sourcing new cheetahs from Somalia, Tanzania, Sudan and other range countries closer to the equator or in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Low prey density : The overall prey density of Kuno is around 22 individuals per km. Density of 35 to 40 individuals per km is required.

To manage the cheetah population in KNP, currently Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries (MP) are being considered.