Kuno National Park: Madhya Pradesh's Cheetah Conservation Success Story

Why in the News?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently released five more cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park, furthering India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction program.

About Kuno National Park

Location and Area

• Kuno National Park is situated in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh. Spanning 748.76 square kilometers, it derives its name from the Kuno River, which flows through the park, enriching its biodiversity.

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Establishment and Expansion

• Originally designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981, Kuno covered 344.686 square kilometers. In 2018, it was upgraded to a national park, with its area expanding to the current 748.76 square kilometers.

Flora and Fauna

Vegetation: The park features dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands. Key tree species include:

• Dhok (Anogeissus pendula)
• Salai (Boswellia serrata)
• Palash (Butea monosperma)

Wildlife:

• Mammals: Kuno is home to predators like Indian leopards, cheetahs, jungle cats, and striped hyenas. Herbivores include chital, sambar, nilgai, and chinkara.
• Reptiles: The Kuno River supports species such as mugger crocodiles, gharials, and Bengal monitors.
• Birds: Over 129 bird species thrive here, including raptors like the crested serpent-eagle and migratory birds such as the Demoiselle crane.

Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park

Reintroduction of Cheetahs in India

• First Batch: On September 17, 2022, India marked a historic milestone by reintroducing cheetahs after their extinction in the 1950s. Eight cheetahs from Namibia were released into Kuno National Park.
• Second Batch: In February 2023, 12 more cheetahs from South Africa were introduced, further strengthening the population.

Challenges and Success Stories

• Setbacks: In August 2023, three adult cheetahs died due to septicaemia from maggot-infested wounds, highlighting the challenges of species reintroduction.
• Growth and Births: Despite obstacles, the program has seen significant success. As of February 2025, Kuno National Park hosts 26 cheetahs, including newborn cubs.

Why is Kuno National Park Ideal for Cheetahs?

• Diverse terrain with grasslands, open forests, and riverine ecosystems
• Ample prey base with herbivores like chital and nilgai
• Minimal human disturbance, ensuring a safe habitat for reintroduction

Conclusion

Kuno National Park stands as a beacon of wildlife conservation in India, playing a crucial role in the global cheetah reintroduction program. With continuous efforts, Kuno has the potential to become a thriving cheetah habitat, further boosting India's wildlife conservation goals.