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Kuno's Cheetahs: Unprecedented 24/7 Monitoring in Central India
12 Sep
Summary
- Thirty collared cheetahs are continuously monitored in Kuno National Park.
- Eighteen cheetahs roam freely across six districts, requiring dedicated teams.
- Monitoring is complex, especially during monsoons, due to weather and terrain.
Project Cheetah in India's Kuno National Park is engaged in an unprecedented 24/7 field operation to monitor its rewilded cheetah population. As of September 12, 2026, thirty collared cheetahs are under continuous surveillance across Kuno and its expanding landscape.
Eighteen of these cheetahs are free-ranging, their movements spanning six districts and necessitating eighteen dedicated monitoring teams. Each team works in eight-hour shifts, ensuring no gap in surveillance. The remaining twelve cheetahs are housed in large, fenced natural forest areas within the park.
While satellite and radio collars provide crucial location data, ground teams are essential for confirming cheetah presence, observing behavior, and assessing their surroundings. This operation is particularly challenging during the monsoon season, when heavy rains and cloud cover can disrupt electronic tracking, and difficult terrain complicates field operations.
Officials prioritize keeping precise cheetah locations confidential to prevent public interference, especially when animals approach human settlements or roads. The intensive monitoring aims to gather invaluable data on cheetah behavior in their natural habitat, with special attention paid to mothers with cubs to ensure their health and well-being.
