Tragic Loss of Cheetahs in India's Kuno National Park Sparks Concerns over Project Management

MADHYA PRADESH: In the lush wilderness of Kuno National Park in India's Madhya Pradesh state, a heart-wrenching saga unfolds as nine cheetahs, including three cubs, meet untimely deaths within a mere five months. The park had been at the forefront of a bold conservation effort, reintroducing 20 adult cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa in the previous year, and witnessing the birth of four cubs. However, these accomplishments have been marred by a series of fatalities, prompting an urgent need for answers and solutions.

The latest victim, a female cheetah named Dhatri (Tiblisi), was found lifeless, raising alarms among the park authorities. As investigations continue, a post-mortem is underway to shed light on the cause of her demise, adding to the growing concerns surrounding the cheetah population in the park.

Media reports initially pointed to infections believed to be caused by radio collars during unusually wet weather as the culprit behind the deaths of two male cheetahs, Tejas and Suraj. However, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change dismissed these claims, considering them "unscientific." Autopsy results revealed that Tejas had succumbed to "traumatic shock" after a violent altercation with another female cheetah, indicating that conflicts among the cheetahs are also contributing to the fatalities.

In a joint letter to the Supreme Court, experts from South Africa and Namibia, integral to the national cheetah project steering committee, expressed their anguish and raised serious concerns about the management of the project. They emphasized the lack of scientific training among the park's management team and the disregard for the opinions of foreign experts. The letter highlighted how better monitoring and timely veterinary care, informed by their expertise, could have prevented these tragic losses.

The South African experts detailed their frustration with the lack of information and consultation from Kuno National Park regarding the cheetahs and their care. Despite being listed as international experts on the Cheetah Project Steering Committee, they claimed to have never been consulted or invited to any meetings, leading them to feel like mere "window dressing" for the project.

Amidst this crisis, the spotlight falls on the management and preservation of these magnificent creatures. Urgent reforms and better integration of expertise are called for to ensure the survival and thriving of the cheetahs in their newfound habitat. The loss of nine cheetahs, each with a unique story to tell, serves as a somber reminder of the delicate balance between conservation efforts and effective project management.

In the face of adversity, hope lies in addressing the challenges head-on, embracing knowledge from experts worldwide, and committing to securing a brighter future for the cheetahs of Kuno National Park.

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