The Union Government has taken serious note of the death of a 19-month-old male cheetah, KNG22, at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh due to firearm pellet injuries. The Centre has deputed a high-level team to conduct an on-ground investigation into the incident, given the critical importance of Project Cheetah. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has informed that the team has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the cheetah’s death, examining all available evidence and coordinating closely with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department to ensure strict and swift action in the matter.

 

The Ministry noted that the State Government has already constituted a Special Task Force to investigate the incident. 

 

The cheetah was found injured on 25th October in the territorial forests of Morena, outside the protected area of Kuno National Park. As reported by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, it was rescued from the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division on the same day and provided intensive veterinary care and emergency surgery in Jabalpur. During the surgery, five firearm pellets were recovered from its body. The cheetah succumbed to its injuries yesterday.