Why is it in the News?

Recently, a Namibian cheetah named Aasha has given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

About Kuno National Park (KNP):

• Location: Situated in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, Kuno National Park is nestled near the Vindhyan Hills.
• The park is aptly named after the Kuno River, a significant tributary of the Chambal River that traverses its expanse.
• Originally designated as a wildlife sanctuary, Kuno National Park attained the status of a national park in 2018.
  • This transformation aligns with its pivotal role in the 'Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India.'
• Vegetation and Flora: Kuno predominantly features a grassland landscape, punctuated by occasional rocky outcrops.
  • The flora encompasses a diverse mix, including dominant species such as Kardhai, Salai, and Khair trees.
  • The park boasts a rich composition with 123 tree species, 71 shrub species, 32 exotic and climbing species, and 34 bamboo and grass species.
• Fauna: The protected region of Kuno National Park shelters an array of wildlife, including the jungle cat, Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, and dhole.
  • The park also delights bird enthusiasts with a habitat supporting over 120 bird species.

What is Project Cheetah?

• The Wildlife Trust of India started talks in 2009 to bring the cheetah back to India.
• Over five years, 50 cheetahs will be imported from African nations and placed in various national parks as part of the "Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetahs in India."
• Prime Site Selection - Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP): Among the surveyed sites in central Indian states, Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh emerged as the most suitable location.
  • This acclaim is attributed to its conducive habitat and ample prey base.
  • KNP is deemed capable of supporting 21 Cheetahs, uniquely standing as a wildlife site where villages have been entirely relocated from within the park.
  • Moreover, Kuno offers the prospect of harmoniously accommodating four of India's prominent big cats - tiger, lion, leopard, and Cheetah.
• Additional Recommended Sites: The project identifies other potential sites, including Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh), Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary - Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary complex (Madhya Pradesh), Shahgarh bulge in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), and Mukundara Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan).
• Implementation Progress: As a significant stride in the project's realization, 20 Cheetahs, comprising 8 from Namibia and 12 from South Africa, were introduced to Kuno Palpur National Park last year.
  • This marks a historic initiative to establish a free-ranging Cheetah population in India, reviving their presence after a 70-year absence.