Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and national park located in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. Established in 1981, the park was granted national park status in 2018. It is named after the Kuno River, which flows through it. The park is situated in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion, known for its unique flora and fauna. Kuno National Park is an important habitat for several endangered species, including the Indian wolf. The park has also recently become the focus of a project to reintroduce cheetahs into India.

Biodiversity in Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thanks to its location in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. The park is spread over an area of 1,147 square kilometers and includes hilly terrain, grasslands, and riverine habitats. It is home to several endangered species, including the Indian wolf, Indian leopard, sloth bear, and striped hyena. It is also an important habitat for several species of deer, including the chital, sambar, and nilgai. Other notable species found in the park include the Indian pangolin, jungle cat, Indian civet, and Indian fox.

Cheetah Reintroduction Project

Kuno National Park has become the focus of a project to reintroduce cheetahs into India. The Asiatic cheetah, a subspecies of the cheetah, was once found throughout India but became extinct in the country in the 1950s due to hunting and habitat loss. In 2020, the Supreme Court of India approved a project to reintroduce cheetahs into India, with Kuno National Park identified as a potential reintroduction site.

In 2021, the first batch of cheetahs was introduced into the park as part of the project. Twelve cheetahs were translocated from South Africa to India, with the hope of establishing a new population of the species in the country. The translocated cheetahs are being monitored closely to ensure their survival in their new environment. The success of the cheetah reintroduction project in Kuno National Park could pave the way for similar projects in other parts of the country.

Tourism in Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is open to visitors from October to June. Visitors to the park can go on wildlife safaris to see the park’s diverse range of flora and fauna. The park also has several trekking trails, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s hilly terrain and riverine habitats. The park is home to several watchtowers, which provide excellent views of the park and its inhabitants.

The park is also home to several important historical and cultural sites, including the Kuno Palpur Fort and the Shergarh Fort. Both forts date back several centuries and are an important part of the region’s history.

Conservation Efforts in Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is an important conservation area for several endangered species, including the Indian wolf and Indian leopard. The park has several conservation programs in place, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching initiatives, and awareness campaigns aimed at local communities. The reintroduction of cheetahs into the park is also part of the park’s conservation efforts. Cheetahs, once a common sight in India, are now extinct in the country. The reintroduction project aims to establish a new population of the species in the country, which will help to conserve this iconic species.