Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district has recently come into focus following the death of a young cheetah, KNG22, after an alleged shooting incident. The 19-month-old male was found injured in the forests of Morena near Kuno on October 25. Although veterinarians removed five firearm pellets during surgery, the cheetah died on October 27. It is the first reported shooting of a cheetah since Project Cheetah began in 2022.
The Union Environment Ministry has ordered a high-level investigation, while Madhya Pradesh has constituted a Special Task Force to identify those responsible.
Kuno National Park Location
Kuno National Park is situated in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, within the Vindhyan landscape near the Rajasthan border. The park covers approximately 748.76 sq. km and derives its name from the Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal.
Kuno National Park History
Kuno was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 and was upgraded to national park status in 2018, with its protected area expanded considerably. It was initially considered as a potential site for establishing a second population of Asiatic lions outside Gujarat.
The park was later selected for India’s cheetah reintroduction programme. Project Cheetah was launched on September 17, 2022, when eight cheetahs from Namibia were brought to Kuno.
Kuno National Park Geographical Features
The park contains dry deciduous forests, grasslands, scrublands, valleys and riverine habitats. The Kuno River is an important source of water for wildlife.
Its seasonal climate, varied terrain and open grassland areas provide suitable conditions for herbivores and large carnivores.
Kuno National Park Flora & Fauna
Flora of Kuno National Park
Kuno’s vegetation includes species such as Kardhai, Salai, Khair, Palash, Dhok and Tendu, along with shrubs, grasses and bamboo. The combination of woodland and grassland supports a diverse ecosystem.
Fauna of Kuno National Park
The park supports cheetahs, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, wolves, jackals, jungle cats, chital, sambar, nilgai, blackbuck and wild boar. It also provides habitat for numerous resident and migratory birds and several reptile species.
Kuno National Park and the Cheetah Reintroduction Project
Kuno is the principal landscape for Project Cheetah, launched to restore the species in India after its extinction in 1952. Eight Namibian cheetahs arrived in 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in 2023.
The programme seeks to establish a viable cheetah population, restore grassland ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity conservation. Breeding success, prey availability, disease management and human-wildlife conflict remain important challenges.
Kuno National Park Significance
Kuno is significant for large-carnivore conservation, grassland protection and ecological restoration. Besides its role in the cheetah programme, it has potential importance for establishing a second population of Asiatic lions.
The park also contributes to ecological connectivity in central India, scientific research and responsible wildlife tourism. Its future success will depend on effective habitat management, protection from human threats and continued cooperation between conservation agencies and local communities.
FAQs - Kuno National Park
Where is Kuno National Park located?
Kuno National Park is located in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, near the Rajasthan border. It covers approximately 748.76 square kilometres.
Why is Kuno National Park famous?
Kuno is known for India’s cheetah reintroduction programme. Eight cheetahs from Namibia arrived on September 17, 2022, under Project Cheetah.
When did Kuno become a national park?
Kuno was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 and upgraded to a national park in 2018.
Which river flows through Kuno National Park?
The Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal, flows through the park and gives it its name.
Which animals are found in Kuno National Park?
The park supports cheetahs, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, wolves, jackals, chital, sambar and nilgai, along with numerous birds and reptiles.
