Cheetah Cub Dead After Suspected Shooting

A 19-month-old cheetah cub has died at Kuno National Park, having been found with multiple pellets in its abdomen, indicating a suspected close-range shooting. The cub, one of Nirva's offspring, was rescued on the night of October 25 from a forest area near the Sheopur and Morena districts. It was initially moved to Kuno for examination before being transferred to Jabalpur for specialized medical care.

This tragic event marks the first reported suspected shooting of a cheetah since their reintroduction to India in September 2022 and is a major setback for Project Cheetah. Concerns are mounting regarding the safety of these big cats when they venture beyond the park's boundaries. Investigators are examining the nature of the weapon used, with the Special Tiger Strike Force (STSF) deployed to aid the investigation.

Morena district, known for its terrain and availability of firearms, is a focus area for the inquiry. The forest department is collaborating with the state police's Special Task Force to identify culprits, exploring possibilities ranging from traditional firearms to country-made guns. While some speculate the shooter may have acted in panic, the exact motive and circumstances remain unconfirmed.

The incident renews concerns about threats cheetahs face outside protected areas, echoing previous issues such as poaching and the presence of hunting tools in the region. Cheetahs, declared extinct in India in 1952, were reintroduced in 2022 as part of a significant conservation effort.