Bhopal: Two cheetah cubs, born to African cheetah Nirva, were found dead at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday. The bodies of the cubs were found by forest staff who were monitoring the cheetah’s movements.
According to an official, the staff received signals from radio telemetry showing that Nirva had moved away from her den, prompting a team of forest workers and veterinarians to investigate. Upon reaching the location, they found the mutilated bodies of the two cubs inside the enclosure, also known as a boma.
Lab reports to determine cause of death
The team thoroughly inspected the area but found no evidence of other cubs, which helped confirm that Nirva had given birth to only two cubs. This clarification comes after uncertainty over the exact number of cubs she had. In response to the findings, Project Cheetah director, Uttam Kumar Sharma, confirmed that no additional cubs were found during the inspection.
The two cubs’ carcasses will be cremated according to protocol. Additionally, samples have been collected for further examination to determine the cause of death. The official said that the cause of death will be known once the lab results are received. Despite the tragedy, the official assured that all other adult cheetahs, including Nirva, and the 12 surviving cubs at KNP are healthy.
Initially, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav posted on social media that Nirva had delivered four cubs, but he later deleted the post and clarified that the forest department would confirm the exact number.
Later that evening, Yadav acknowledged the milestone of Nirva giving birth to cubs and mentioned that the department would soon confirm the number.
Cheetah population at Kuno National Park
The cheetah population at Kuno National Park currently includes 24 cheetahs, including 12 cubs that have survived. The park has been part of a historic project to reintroduce cheetahs into India.
In September 2022, eight Namibian cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park as part of the world’s first intercontinental translocation of the species. This was followed by the release of 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023, as part of the Indian government’s effort to bring the species back to the country after it had become extinct here due to hunting and habitat loss.
