A male cheetah, designated KP-3, was tranquillised and successfully rescued on Wednesday near the border between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The animal had been on the move for nearly six weeks, and its persistent presence near human settlements had raised alarm among local villagers.
Operation Details
The cheetah, which had strayed out of Kuno National Park, was tracked and located in a forested area within Jhalawar district, Rajasthan. A specialised team immobilised the cheetah after finding it resting at a plantation site, according to forest officials. The animal had covered a considerable distance overnight before being traced.
Forest teams from both states, along with veterinarians and wildlife experts, coordinated the operation. The cheetah’s movement was closely monitored over the past few days as it traversed forest divisions and briefly entered areas close to agricultural fields, prompting precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
Challenges in Tracking
A senior forest official explained the complexities involved: “The animal moved through parts of Baran district before crossing into Madhya Pradesh and then returning towards the Rajasthan border, complicating tracking efforts. It crossed back into Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district, where it had been roaming since May 1, before again approaching the Rajasthan border on Tuesday. Its repeated approach towards habitation led authorities to intervene.”
“Given its proximity to villages, tranquillisation was necessary to avoid any risk to people as well as the animal,” the official added.
Post-Rescue Measures
Following the operation, KP-3 has been shifted back towards Kuno National Park. There, it will be monitored and examined by veterinarians before being released back into its natural habitat. The cheetah is among the cubs born in India under the cheetah reintroduction programme, which began with the translocation of African cheetahs in 2022.
Concerns Over Another Cheetah
Meanwhile, the movement of another cheetah, KP-2, near villages on the fringes of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has added to anxiety among local residents. In some areas, people have avoided venturing into fields, and routine activities, including children attending school, have been affected due to the presence of the wild animal.
Forest officials stated that the situation is being closely monitored, and appropriate action will be taken if the cheetah continues to move close to human settlements. “Since it is moving close to human habitation, it will be tranquillised and taken back too,” a source added.
