May 11 was a special day for Madhya Pradesh Wildlife. Two more leopards came out of their enclosure and reached the open forest. Now both will cooperate in strengthening the eco-system of the state as well as other states. Actually, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reached Kuno National Park located in Sheopur district. Here he freed two female leopards from the enclosure. As soon as they came out of the enclosure, both the leopards went towards the forest jumping.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the land of Madhya Pradesh has adopted leopards and made them a part of its family. The Cheetah Project was started in Kuno by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about three and a half years ago. This project of cheetah restoration in India is progressing with success. Madhya Pradesh is creating new records every day in this important work of cheetah relocation. He said that Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a major center of religion, investment and genetic biodiversity. The reintroduction of cheetahs from Namibia, South Africa and now Botswana continues to be successful. Today the state has established itself as the Cheetah State in the country. Presently the number of leopards is 57, out of which 54 are in Kuno National Park and 03 are in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Madhya Pradesh created a new history
After the visit, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav told the media that Madhya Pradesh has created a new history. Today we have released two female cheetahs brought from Botswana in Kuno National Park. Expressing the spirit of co-existence, we have left both of them to live with nature in the open forest and in the open environment. I congratulate the people of Sheopur and Chambal region. The habitat of these cheetahs is now spread over an area of 5 thousand km. It is a matter of pride for us that now they have started living with us like family. We don’t even know when our cheetah reaches Rajasthan while running.
What else was said next?
He said that leopards are attacking many areas of Chambal including Gwalior-Shivpuri-Rajgarh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us a great gift in the form of these leopards. I also congratulate Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav. I congratulate all the officers who have worked tirelessly for Project Cheetah. He said that Kuno National Park Project is creating a new record for cheetah. Our forest officials, medical staff, conservators, local people and the leopards have considered each other as family. This is a unique phenomenon in the world. This is a matter of pride for the Forest Department. Cheetahs have adapted to this environment to survive. It is good for the eco-system. The leopards which were found by President Draupadi Murmu, are gradually being released into the open environment. We believe in the principle of live and let live.
Important chapter related to wildlife
It is noteworthy that, at the end of February this year, 9 new cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park from Botswana. These include 6 females and 3 males. After being brought here, all of them were quarantined. After completing the quarantine period, everyone was kept in small enclosures. Due to this they adapted to the local conditions. Out of these 9, 2 leopards have been released into the open forest today. Releasing these cheetahs in the open forest will give new impetus to ‘Project Cheetah’. This will add another important chapter to the history of India’s wildlife.
Botswana’s leopards bring more genetic diversity
Wildlife experts believe that the cheetahs brought from Botswana have brought more genetic diversity. These will help in developing a healthy and long-term population of cheetahs in Kuno. Experts have also expressed hope that these cheetahs will quickly integrate into the environment of Kuno. Preparations are also being made to settle these leopards in other sanctuaries like Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi.
When and where were the leopards brought from?
With these leopards, the total number of leopards in India has increased to 57. Let us tell you, 8 cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park from Namibia on 17 September 2022, and 12 from South Africa in the year 2023. The cheetahs from Botswana were brought to Gwalior through a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force. From here he was taken to Kuno National Park by helicopter. The objective of Project Cheetah is to restore the extinct cheetah species from the state, increase their numbers and prepare them to hunt and roam freely.