Kuno's Chital Population

The Cheetah Project has made headlines due to plans to relocate surplus cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. This decision follows concerns over a decline in the chital population, the primary prey for cheetahs, and challenges posed by leopard predation.

Key Findings:

Kuno National Park currently hosts 26 cheetahs, including 13 cubs.
Concerns arose as Kuno's chital population, the main prey for cheetahs, decreased by over 25% since 2022.
Leopard predation on chital is a significant issue, despite efforts to control it.
Introducing Larger Cats: To address the issue of leopard predation and balance the predator-prey dynamics, the project is considering introducing larger cats like tigers into Kuno. Tigers are viewed as natural competitors to leopards and could potentially reduce their impact on the chital population.
Project Challenges and Efforts: Efforts are ongoing to bolster the chital numbers in Kuno, including plans to bring in 1,500 more from other areas. Meanwhile, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary faces hurdles in removing leopards from prey enclosures to facilitate the introduction of cheetahs.

Fact Box:

About Cheetal (Axis axis)

Chital or cheetal (Axis axis), also known as the spotted deer, chital deer, and axis deer, is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent.
Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and a small group in Pakistan
Only males have antlers, and their bodies are larger than females.
IUCN: Least Concern

Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh):

Kuno National Park has spread over an area of 748.76 sq. km.
Kuno River, one of the major tributaries of Chambal River flows through the entire length bisecting the National Park division.
It is known for the leopard, Jackal, Chinkara.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh)

Gandhi Sagar is a wildlife sanctuary located at eastern Madhya Pradesh.
This region is known a Nimar region which touches its border with Rajasthan.
The forest of this sanctuary is part of Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest.
It is part of World famous Chaturbhuj Nala rock shelters.