The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the National Tiger Conservation Authority have recently filed their replies in the Supreme Court in response to the issue of cheetah deaths in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.
They stated in their affidavits that the deaths of 5 adult cheetahs and 3 cubs in Kuno National Park are concerning but not due to unnatural causes such as poaching, poisoning, accidents, or electrocution.
Further, they clarified that the survival rate of adult cheetahs in the country’s ecological system is significantly low at 50%.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the NTCA also mentioned in their response that besides Kuno National Park, they have identified alternative and potential sites for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
These include Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, and Shahgarh Bulge, Bhainsror Garh, and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
However, they noted that the current condition of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is unsuitable for accommodating cheetahs.
During the previous hearing, the bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala, and Prashant Kumar Mishra raised questions regarding the government’s decision to consider Kuno National Park as the only option.
They suggested developing more than one habitat for cheetahs, irrespective of the state or government.
The court expressed concern over the 40% mortality rate within a year, and it urged the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the NTCA to provide a response.
