Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Cheetah Deaths at Kuno National Park

New Delhi, July 20, 2023: The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response on the concerning sequential deaths of cheetahs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The apex court expressed its dismay over the situation, noting that “40% of deaths occurring within a year does not reflect a good picture.”

A total of eight cheetahs, including three cubs, have tragically lost their lives at the national park in the last four months. Among the recent fatalities, two cheetahs succumbed to an alleged skin infection known as septicaemia, which is believed to be caused by abrasion from radio collars. These deaths have raised serious questions regarding the monitoring and care of cheetahs in the park.

The Supreme Court urged the central government not to treat the issue as a mere “prestige matter” and emphasized the need for immediate action to protect these endangered animals. Reiterating its previous recommendation from May, the court urged the Centre to explore options for establishing alternate habitats for cheetahs, regardless of the state they are located in.

In response to the court’s directive, the government has agreed to file its response. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 1.

Following the recent cheetah fatalities, a steering committee meeting was convened, resulting in the transfer of Madhya Pradesh’s chief wildlife warden and the head of the cheetah project at the national park, Jasbir Singh Chauhan.

Currently, Kuno National Park is home to 15 cheetahs, with four in enclosures and 11 in the wild. Notably, one cub was rejected by its mother and is now being cared for by forest officials.