Cheetahs of Kuno National Park are now free to choose their territory and roam independently in the free range of neighbouring states as well. Now, the forest officials have decided to let the spotted cat be free in the forest. In the past few months, cheetahs have sneaked out of Kuno National Park three to four times, they were tranquilised to brought back to Kuno. The majestic presence of cheetah has given international identity to Kuno National Park. With an aim to provide independent space to spotted cats, Cheetah Steering Committee of MP Forest Department has conducted a meeting with neighbouring states. In this meeting it was decided that if any cheetah strays out of Kuno and forms a territory in nearby districts or State, it will not be tranquilised.

 

Earlier, Cheetah Pawan and cheetah Asha had moved towards Uttar Pradesh border, they were tranquilised and brought back to Kuno. Authorities have now decided to let them stay in free range. If any cheetah wants to stay around Uttar Pradesh or any other state or districts, team will be monitoring them from a distance. Tracking team will be allowed to keep an eye on cheetah even in neighbouring states. Prakash Verma, District Forest Officer (DFO) said, “There will be no limits in the wild for cheetahs. If any cheetah moves towards Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh or any other state, the monitoring team would be independently following and tracking his location.” He further said that local forest team of the State will be assisting Kuno’s team.

 

In the meeting, forest officials of UP were also present. At present, 10 cheetahs including male Pawan, female Asha, Dhira, Veera, Gamini, Dhatri, Nirva, Gaurav, Suraj and Shaurya are in free range area. DFO Verma said that Asha and Pawan has strayed towards UP and they were tranquilised and brought back to Kuno. He said tranquillisation is not good for their health and they cannot be kept in captivity for long. He said concerned over the situation, decision has been taken to let them stay in free range. Cheetahs are now free to form their territory and stay independently in the jungle. They will be tranquilised and brought back only in certain conditions.