Cheetah KP-2 Safely Relocated to Kuno National Park After Extensive Rajasthan Wander
In a significant wildlife management operation, cheetah KP-2 was tranquillised and successfully transferred from Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park on Friday. This decisive action was taken to mitigate potential human-animal conflicts after the feline spent 55 days roaming across various districts in Rajasthan.
Urgent Relocation Prompted by Livestock Predation
The relocation became imperative when KP-2 began preying on local livestock. The cheetah, an offspring of the African feline Asha, had initially spent 45 days in Baran district before moving to Kota for its final 10 days. The situation escalated on Thursday when the animal killed goats, following earlier incidents of cattle predation after entering Kota. A senior forest official emphasized the urgency, stating, "There was a genuine fear that local residents might harm the cheetah in retaliation for the livestock losses. Therefore, we proceeded with tranquillising KP-2, conducting a thorough health examination, and arranging immediate transport to the Kuno reserve."
Coordinated Rescue Operation from Nimoda Ujaad Village
The rescue was meticulously executed from Nimoda Ujaad village, where officials had pinpointed the cheetah's location through continuous monitoring. Another senior official detailed the process: "Upon receiving precise coordinates from our tracking team, all designated officers and staff mobilized to the site. We strictly adhered to protocol—first tranquillising the cheetah, then performing a comprehensive health assessment, and finally transporting it securely to Madhya Pradesh." This operation highlights the coordinated efforts between forest departments and wildlife experts to ensure both animal welfare and public safety.
Natural Dispersal Behavior Across Rajasthan Landscape
KP-2's journey through Rajasthan was marked by extensive daily movements of 30–40 kilometers. Entering Kota district on March 19, the cheetah traversed areas including Itawa, Peepalda Samel, and Sangaheri, navigating village peripheries, wheat fields, and regions along the Chambal and Kali Sindh rivers. Officials clarified that this long-distance dispersal is a natural territorial behavior anticipated under the Project Cheetah Action Plan. This marks the fifth instance of a cheetah entering Rajasthan, with the larger Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape spanning approximately 17,000 square kilometers—10,500 square kilometers in Madhya Pradesh and 6,500 square kilometers in Rajasthan—covering districts such as Baran, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Kota, Jhalawar, and Chittorgarh.
Brother Cheetah KP-3 Continues Movement in Baran
Meanwhile, KP-2's brother, KP-3, remains active in the Mangrol area of Baran district. Officials noted that KP-3 had previously been tranquillised and taken to Kuno but returned to Baran for a second time. "KP-3 is currently moving within a designated safe zone, and we are monitoring its movements closely to prevent similar conflicts," they added. This ongoing situation underscores the challenges and adaptive strategies required in cheetah reintroduction and conservation efforts across state boundaries.
