Kuno National Park: Second cheetah cub born since arrival.

The cheetah importation initiative in India faced setbacks due to a series of fatalities. However, a positive turn occurred on January 3, 2023, as officials from Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) announced the birth of three cubs. A second litter was reported at KNP as well. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the news on social media, stating that three new members, offspring of the Namibian cheetah Aasha, had joined Kuno National Park.

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In March 2023, Siyaya, a three-year-old cheetah imported from Namibia, now known as Jwala, gave birth to her first litter. Unfortunately, three female cubs succumbed to weakness and dehydration, leaving only one survivor. Jwala was not allowed to roam freely. The current population in KNP includes three males, seven females, and one cub, totaling 18 after the recent additions. The Chief Conservator of Forests at KNP, Uttam Sharma, mentioned that the three new cubs, aged 6 to 8 days, were likely born around December 26. Veterinarians are closely monitoring their well-being.

Determining the genders of the cubs is expected to take six months, and additional information about the cub’s parents will be provided later, according to CCF Sharma. The book “The End of a Trail” notes that cheetahs in India mature for breeding between 20 and 24 months, with a gestation period of 90 to 100 days. The breeding possibly occurred in captivity during July and August, following the death of adult cheetahs from septicemia.

Meanwhile, the surviving cub from the previous year remains in captivity and has been hand-raised, as disclosed by an anonymous expert. Despite the celebration, concerns are raised about captive breeding being the primary focus, contrary to the original goal of creating a population that can roam freely. The 2023 annual report mentions that Aasha was placed in quarantine on July 20, 2023, and has been free-ranging for a total of 131 days.

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In late December 2023, the forest department released Agni, Vayu, Veera, and Pavan into the park. However, Agni ventured deep into Rajasthan’s borders, necessitating quick tranquilization and return. While acknowledging the efforts of the local authorities in Project Cheetah,

it is emphasized that the cubs still face a challenging journey ahead. South African expert Vincent van der Merwe, involved in the project’s early phases, underscores the importance of managing expectations for both the crew and the cheetahs, as reported by Down to Earth.

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