A male cheetah, approximately 19 months old, was discovered critically injured in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, raising concerns about a potential man-animal conflict involving the species since its reintroduction to India in September 2022. The incident occurred on October 25, when a monitoring team located the injured animal near Pahadgadh, prompting immediate action.

The cheetah was reportedly found immobile and in severe distress, leading to its rescue and subsequent transfer to Kuno National Park for medical treatment. Initial assessments indicate that the animal is unable to walk and is in critical condition, having allegedly sustained a backbone injury from a hard and blunt object.

Forest department officials have initiated an inquiry to explore various angles surrounding the incident. The State Tiger Strike Force has been deployed to investigate the possibility of poaching, especially in light of recent reports of poached leopards found in the same vicinity. This has raised alarms about the safety of wildlife in the area.

Investigation into Possible Causes

The investigation is focusing on multiple possibilities regarding how the cheetah sustained its injuries. One theory suggests that the cheetah may have attacked livestock, leading to retaliation from local villagers. This angle is being closely examined, as it could indicate a broader issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region.

In addition to the poaching angle, the forest department is also considering whether the injuries were inflicted during an encounter with humans. The chief wildlife warden of Madhya Pradesh, Samita Rajora, confirmed that the area has seen recent incidents involving the hunting of leopards, which adds to the complexity of the investigation.

Medical scans are planned to further evaluate the extent of the cheetah’s injuries and to determine the precise circumstances surrounding them. The monitoring team, which is responsible for tracking the radio-collared cheetahs, usually maintains a safe distance of at least 500 metres from the animals to avoid disturbing them.

Status of Cheetah Population in India

As of now, India is home to 60 cheetahs, distributed across three locations in Madhya Pradesh. Kuno National Park serves as the primary habitat for these wild cats, being the focal point of Project Cheetah, which aims to re-establish the species in India. Recent efforts have also included relocating some cheetahs to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Rani Durgawati Tiger Reserve to diversify their habitats.

The current situation highlights the challenges faced in the conservation of cheetahs in India, particularly in areas where human activities intersect with wildlife habitats. The forest department is committed to addressing these challenges through ongoing investigations and conservation efforts.

As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the health of the injured cheetah and the broader implications for wildlife conservation in the region. The outcome of the investigation will likely influence future strategies for managing human-wildlife interactions and ensuring the safety of both animals and local communities.

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