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9 Botswana Cheetahs Complete Quarantine, Reported Fit at Kuno Park

Nine cheetahs translocated from Botswana to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park have successfully completed their quarantine period of over 20 days and are reported to be in good health. They will now be released into a larger enclosure within the park's forest area. The park has expanded its managed area to nearly 1,000 hectares with upgraded quarantine facilities. Kuno now hosts a unique and diverse population of cheetahs from Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana, with the total number in Madhya Pradesh reaching 53.

Key Points: Botswana Cheetahs Healthy After Quarantine at Kuno National Park

  • 9 cheetahs complete quarantine
  • Health reported fit and healthy
  • To be moved to large enclosure
  • Kuno hosts cheetahs from 3 countries
2 min read

9 cheetahs complete quarantine at MP's Kuno, reported to be fit

Nine cheetahs from Botswana complete quarantine at MP's Kuno National Park, reported fit and healthy. Park now hosts cheetahs from three countries.

"all nine cheetahs brought from Botswana are healthy and fit (till date) - Uttam Sharma"

Sheopur, March 23

Nine cheetahs translocated from Botswana and released at the Kuno National Park in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh earlier late last month now have completed more than 20 days of quarantine period and the health of all these big cats is reported to be fit and healthy.

Senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Uttam Sharma, who is currently serving as Feld Director of Kuno National Park and handling the 'Project Cheetah', told IANS on Monday that "all nine cheetahs brought from Botswana are healthy and fit (till date)".

He said that all these nine cheetahs will complete their quarantine enclosure and then they will be released into a large enclosure within the Kuno's forest area.

"After completing more than 20 days in quarantine, all cheetahs have successfully cleared the required health protocol," Sharma said in a newsletter of Kuno National Park.

Sharing details about the preparations before a new set of nine cheetahs had arrived, he said a new soft release bomas of about 265 hectares was added to the existing 700 hectares of enclosed natural forest, taking the total managed area to nearly 1,000 hectares.

"At the same time, the quarantine bomas was upgraded -- cleaned, strengthened and equipped with adequate water and shade, especially keeping the approaching summer in mind," the Kuno's newsletter also added.

Interestingly, Kuno National Park now hosts cheetahs from three countries -- Namibia, South Africa and Botswana along with cheetah cubs born on Indian soil (at Kuno National Park) in the past three years after the ambitious 'Project Cheetah' introduced on September 17, 2022.

"Cheetahs from three different countries -- Namibia, South Africa and Botswana -- creating a unique and diverse genetic mix, perhaps unmatched anywhere in the world," Sharma added.

The number of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh have increased to 53, including 38 Indian born cubs, and only three of them are in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, while the rest others are at the Kuno National Park.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy to hear the new arrivals from Botswana are healthy. The genetic diversity from Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana is a masterstroke for the long-term health of the population. Hope they thrive in their new home!
R
Rohit P
While the project is commendable, I hope the focus remains on creating a sustainable ecosystem. 53 cheetahs is a big number for Kuno. We need to ensure the park's carrying capacity isn't exceeded and local communities are involved and benefitting from ecotourism.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves wildlife, this makes my heart so full. Bringing back a species that went extinct in India is a monumental task. The detail in the preparations—upgrading bomas for summer—shows great care. Wishing the team and the cheetahs all the best!
V
Vikram M
Great to see MP leading in wildlife conservation. From tigers to now cheetahs, our national parks are becoming global benchmarks. The 1000-hectare managed area sounds impressive. Hope to visit Kuno soon!
M
Michael C
This is a fascinating international collaboration. Cheetahs from three continents now in India, creating a unique genetic pool. It's like a living laboratory for conservation science. Well done to all the countries involved.

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