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Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh is once again in the news, but this time the reason is very special. The leopards present here will now be sent to another state i.e. Gujarat for the first time. Under the plan, 4 leopards from Kuno will be shifted to Banni Grassland of Kutch, which will include 2 male and 2 female leopards. This will be the first interstate shifting under the Cheetah Project in India, which is being considered a major step in the history of wildlife conservation.

Kuno Cheetah Project now extended to Gujarat

Till now, Kuno National Park has been the main center of cheetahs in India, but now the scope of this project is being expanded. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Cheetah Project Steering Committee have approved this proposal. After this, after Kuno and Gandhisagar, Kutch in Gujarat is also being developed as a cheetah rehabilitation area. It is clear from this that the government does not want to limit this project to just one state, but plans to take it forward at the nationwide level.

Why was Banni Grassland of Kutch chosen?

Banni Grassland located in Kutch, Gujarat is considered very suitable for leopards. The vast open area, grasslands and natural environment here is like the Savanna of Africa, where cheetahs can hunt easily. Experts believe that this area is suitable for the movement and lifestyle of cheetahs, which is why NTCA has inspected this area several times. A special enclosure is being prepared here in an area of ​​600 hectares, which will include soft-release zone, quarantine facility and tracking system.

How many leopards in Madhya Pradesh and further plans

At present, a total of 53 leopards are present in Kuno and Gandhisagar area of ​​Madhya Pradesh. Of these, 50 leopards are roaming in Kuno and 3 in Gandhisagar. A cheetah has even reached the Rajasthan border. It is clear from this that the number of leopards and their range is continuously increasing. Now the government plans to not confine them to just one place, but to rehabilitate them by creating safe natural habitats in other states as well. In this series, Nauradehi Sanctuary is also being developed as the third cheetah home, although at present this plan is on hold.

What will be the effect of Cheetah transfer and its importance?

The Kuno to Gujarat cheetah transfer is not just an administrative decision, but it also sets a new direction for wildlife conservation in India. This will develop new and larger natural areas for cheetahs, which will help in increasing their population. Along with this, the spread of Cheetah Project in different states is also expected to have a positive impact on tourism, employment and local economy. Experts believe that if this model is successful then the return of cheetahs to India can become a permanent and strong plan.