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Indian authorities at Kuno National Park have initiated disciplinary proceedings against a forest worker who was filmed providing water to a cheetah and her cubs in a widely shared video. The individual, identified as a driver for the park, acted in violation of guidelines that restrict close encounters with the big cats to authorized personnel only, according to statements from park officials.
Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952, marking them as the only large mammals to disappear from the country following independence. Their reintroduction to Kuno National Park in 2022 aimed to revive the species, which has faced significant challenges in its habitat.
The controversial incident came to public attention on Sunday when the video of the worker began circulating online, depicting him pouring water into a metal pan at the behest of unidentified individuals. Shortly after, a cheetah named Jwala and her four cubs approached the pan to drink.
Park officials indicated that it is not uncommon for designated staff to offer water to cheetahs near the park’s boundary, particularly as a strategy to encourage the animals to return to the forest, thereby preventing human-wildlife conflicts. However, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Uttam Kumar Sharma emphasized that such actions must be carried out only by trained personnel. “There are clear instructions to maintain distance from cheetahs,” he stated, reaffirming the importance of adhering to established protocols.
While initial responses in the media labeled the video as “heartwarming,” many social media users expressed concerns regarding the potential risks that such interactions pose for both humans and animals. Suggestions emerged for park authorities to consider alternative solutions, such as constructing ponds or water bodies in the park to offer accessible water sources for the cheetahs during hot weather.
Local communities bordering the park have experienced heightened tensions, as cheetahs have occasionally entered agricultural fields, resulting in the loss of livestock. Incidents like villagers throwing stones at cheetahs have been reported in attempts to deter predation. The New Indian Express reported on instances where locals resorted to such measures, prompting officials to engage in awareness campaigns aimed at helping communities adapt to coexisting with the wildlife.
In a move to boost the cheetah population, twenty individuals were relocated from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno Park between 2022 and 2023, marking a significant conservation effort. However, concerns have arisen over the welfare of these animals, as eight have died from various causes, including kidney failure and injuries incurred during mating. Experts have raised alarms regarding the park’s capacity to support the reintroduced cheetahs.
A letter from experts associated with the project was addressed to India’s Supreme Court earlier this year, calling for improved animal monitoring and veterinary support to enhance the survival of the species. Furthermore, representatives from the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia have pointed out shortcomings in the park’s management and the experience level of its veterinary staff.
Despite these critiques, park authorities maintain that a total of 26 cheetahs currently reside in Kuno, including 17 in the wild and nine in managed enclosures. Plans are underway to introduce an additional 20 cheetahs from South Africa later this year, with the task force already identifying potential candidates in collaboration with South African officials.
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www.yahoo.com