Another cheetah ‘Shaurya’ dies at Kuno; 10th death so far

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

Another cheetah brought to India from Namibia died on January 16, 2024, at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Freddie, rechristened as Shaurya, was brought to India in September 2022.

Details:

Eight cheetahs had arrived from Namibia — three males and five females in September 2022. Another batch of a dozen cheetahs — seven males and five females — reached India from South Africa for the introduction of the wild cats in the country.
Now, 13 adult cheetahs remain at Kuno, six males and seven females. Among the cubs, there is a single female from the first litter born in March 2023 and three more born late in December 2023.

African Cheetah	Asian Cheetah
IUCN status – Vulnerable CITES status – Appendix-I of the List. This List comprises of migratory species that have been assessed as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Habitat – Around 6,500-7,000 African cheetahs are present in the wild. Physical Characteristics – Bigger in size as compared to Asiatic Cheetah.	IUCN Status – Critically Endangered. CITES – Appendix I of the list Habitat – 40-50 found only in Iran. Physical Characteristics – Smaller and paler than the African cheetah. Has more fur, a smaller head and a longer neck. Usually have red eyes and they have a more cat-like appearance.

Kuno National Park:

It was established in 1981, as a wildlife sanctuary in the Sheopur and Morena districts. It was also known as Kuno-Palpur and Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.
In 2018, it was given the status of a National Park.
It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
The protected area is largely a dry deciduous forest.

Source: DTE