Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh: In a tragic development, two cubs of African cheetah Nirva were found dead in Kuno National Park (KNP) on Wednesday. Their mutilated bodies were recovered by forest officials who were monitoring the cheetahs’ movements via radio telemetry. This incident raises fresh questions about the viability and safety of India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction project.
Discovery of the Cubs’ Bodies
Forest department staff became alarmed when they detected through telemetry that Nirva had been away from her den for an extended period. A team, including veterinarians, rushed to the site and discovered the remains of the two cubs inside the enclosure. Despite thorough searches of the area, officials found no evidence of additional cubs, adding to the mystery surrounding the total number of cubs Nirva gave birth to.
Confusion Over Number of Cubs
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav initially shared on social media that Nirva had given birth to four cubs. However, the post was later deleted, and he clarified that the forest department would soon confirm the exact count. Officials have since stated that Nirva is in good health and remains under close observation.
Investigation Underway
Samples from the deceased cubs have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine the cause of death. Officials await the results to provide clarity on whether the cubs succumbed to natural causes, predation, or other factors. In the meantime, reports confirm that all other adult cheetahs and the remaining 12 cubs in the park are healthy.
A Troubled Reintroduction Project
The deaths add to the growing list of setbacks faced by India’s cheetah reintroduction program. In February 2024, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav informed the Rajya Sabha that four cheetahs, including Shaurya, brought from Namibia, had died from septicemia—a bacterial blood infection. Since the program began in 2022, ten cheetahs have died, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the project.
Rising Challenges for Cheetah Conservation
The cheetahs, translocated from Africa as part of an ambitious conservation initiative, have faced various challenges, including adaptation issues, territorial disputes, and health complications. Conservationists are now questioning whether sufficient measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of these apex predators and their cubs.
Government’s Response and Future Steps
In light of recent incidents, experts suggest implementing stricter monitoring protocols, improving habitat management, and increasing efforts to reduce risks to the cheetahs and their offspring. While the project symbolizes India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, incidents like these highlight the complexities and challenges of reintroducing an extinct species into a new environment.
As investigations into the cubs’ deaths continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address the program’s shortcomings and ensure the survival of the remaining cheetahs in Kuno National Park.
