In a significant setback to the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, four one-month-old cubs of cheetah KGP12 were found dead in the Sheopur Territorial Division early Tuesday morning. The cubs, who were born in the wild just last month on April 11, were found dead near their den by the monitoring team at approx 06:30 am. Preliminary observations suggest a grim cause of death. According to the official information shared by the Field Director of the Cheetah Project, the carcasses of the cubs were found partially eaten, leading experts to believe the incident was a case of predation by another wild animal. The cubs had been seen alive and healthy as recently as on May 11. While the loss is significant, officials confirmed that the mother cheetah, KGP12, remains safe and in a good health.

 

The Cheetah Project management has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to provide a definitive cause of death and to confirm whether the attack occurred within the protected monitoring zone. Monitoring teams have stepped up surveillance in the area to identify the predator involved and ensure the safety of other cheetahs in the vicinity. Currently, Kuno National Park is home to 50 cheetahs, 33 of which are Indian-born. Combined with the three cheetahs housed at the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, the total number of cheetahs now stands at 53. Project officials stated that all other remaining cheetahs are healthy and doing well under constant supervision.