Why is Kuno National Park Famous for Jungle Safari, Where the Series of Cheetah Deaths is Not Stopping?

The continuously declining number of cheetahs in the country has become a major concern. This is why Kuno National Park (KNP), located in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as the most important center for cheetah reintroduction. Since Asiatic cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952, an ambitious plan has been implemented to introduce African cheetahs in this park. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Government of India, Namibia, and South Africa. However, several challenges have arisen regarding the safety and care of these cheetahs.

Apart from being the center for cheetah reintroduction in India, Kuno National Park has also become an exciting wildlife tourism destination. Its rich biodiversity, historical heritage, thrilling safaris, and natural beauty make it an ideal place for tourists.

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Key Features of Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park covers an area of 748.46 square kilometers and is located in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh. It was originally developed to introduce Asiatic lions, but later, it was chosen for the reintroduction of cheetahs.

• Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 and upgraded to a national park in 2018.

• The park consists of tropical dry deciduous forests, which are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

• Major wildlife species found here include leopards, hyenas, sambar deer, nilgai, chinkara, wild boars, crocodiles, and now, African cheetahs.

• It is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 bird species, including the Great Indian Bustard (mainly in dry areas), Indian Vulture, Golden Oriole, eagles, and hawks.

• Reptiles and aquatic species found here include crocodiles, gharials, turtles, various fish, and multiple snake species.

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The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in Kuno

Under Project Cheetah, the Government of India brought 20 African cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park. This historic initiative was launched on September 17, 2022, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, when the first eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia. Later, in February 2023, another 12 cheetahs were introduced from South Africa.

Out of the 20 cheetahs brought initially, 7 have died. Additionally, out of four cubs born in the park, three did not survive. Currently, 15 cheetahs (12 adults and 3 cubs) remain in Kuno National Park.

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Challenges in Cheetah Conservation

The Indian government and the forest department are making continuous efforts to ensure the safety of the cheetahs, but the project faces multiple challenges.

1. Environmental and Climatic Challenges

• African cheetahs are accustomed to open grasslands, whereas Kuno’s forests are dense and filled with trees, making hunting difficult.

• High temperatures and humidity are affecting the cheetahs’ adaptation to the Indian climate.

• Limited open grasslands in Kuno compared to their natural African habitat.

2. Food and Hunting Issues

• Kuno is home to chinkara, nilgai, sambar, and wild boars, whereas African cheetahs are used to hunting small deer and gazelles.

• Adapting to Indian prey is taking time, leading to some cheetahs becoming weak due to lack of food.

3. Threat from Other Predators

• Leopards and hyenas in Kuno pose a threat to cheetahs, especially their cubs.

• In 2023, a cheetah cub was killed by a hyena attack.

4. Increasing Human Contact

• Although there are not many human settlements near Kuno, the risk of cheetahs venturing outside the park remains.

• If cheetahs move out, human-wildlife conflicts may arise, requiring constant monitoring.

5. Cheetah Deaths Due to Diseases

• Some cheetahs have died due to infections and diseases.

• Skin infections due to heat, parasite infestations, and stress-related illnesses have contributed to their deaths.

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Difficulties in Cheetah Care

1. Monitoring and Tracking Challenges

• The forest department uses radio collars and GPS for tracking cheetahs.

• Since this is India’s first cheetah conservation effort, the monitoring system is still developing.

• Technical issues in radio collars and staff shortage are major concerns.

2. Lack of Adequate Resources

• India has no prior experience in cheetah conservation, leading to new challenges.

• Shortage of veterinary experts and wildlife specialists makes care difficult.

• Kuno has the capacity for only 30-35 cheetahs; more cheetahs will need to be shifted to other sanctuaries.

• Plans are underway to introduce cheetahs in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) and Nauradehi (Madhya Pradesh).

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Future Plans for Cheetah Conservation

1. More Scientific Research

• Continuous study of cheetah behavior is ongoing.

• Plans to develop special grasslands for better adaptation.

• Research on their diet and hunting patterns.

• New sanctuaries being planned in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.

2. Environmental and Tourism Development

• The government aims to develop Kuno as a major eco-tourism destination, creating employment opportunities for local communities.

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Tourism Popularity of Kuno National Park

Besides conservation, Kuno National Park is now a well-known tourist attraction, especially for its cheetah safari and wildlife tourism.

1. Cheetah and Wildlife Safari

• Jeep safaris and jungle walks offer a chance to spot cheetahs, leopards, bears, deer, and more.

• Safari Timings:

  • Morning: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

  • Evening: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2. Adventure Trekking and Photography

• Kuno’s hills and grasslands are ideal for trekking and wildlife photography.

3. Historical and Cultural Heritage

• Palpur Fort: Offers stunning views of the jungle.

• Madhavgarh Fort: A famous site that attracts many tourists.

• Sheopur Fort: Located 25-30 km from Kuno, ideal for photography and historical exploration.

4. Eco-Tourism and Camping

• Tent camping inside the jungle is available.

• Government promoting tribal village visits, guided tours, and riverside picnics to boost eco-tourism.

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How to Reach Kuno National Park

(A) By Air:

• Gwalior Airport – 200 km

• Jaipur Airport – 250 km

(B) By Rail:

• Sheopur Railway Station – 25 km

• Gwalior Railway Station – 200 km

(C) By Road:

• Well connected to Gwalior, Shivpuri, Sawai Madhopur, and Jaipur.

• Distance from Delhi: 450 km (Approx. 7–8 hours by road).

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Accommodation Options

Kuno offers several options for tourists including both government-run and private facilities:

• MP Tourism’s Kuno Lodge

• Kuno Safari Camp

• Hotels and homestays in Sheopur and Morena

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With continued efforts in conservation and eco-tourism, Kuno National Park is poised to become a major hub for wildlife protection, jungle safari experiences, and environmental tourism in India.