December 21, 2023: Wildlife enthusiasts and tourists have a reason to rejoice as Madhya Pradesh achieves a historic milestone in wildlife conservation. Two male cheetahs, Agni and Vayu, have been released into the wilderness of Kuno National Park, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the region’s ecosystem.
Timed with the inauguration of the Kuno Forest Festival, this initiative not only aims to enhance the park’s allure but also offers visitors the unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in the designated Ahera tourism zone during safari visits. The release of Agni and Vayu in the Parond forest range opens up new possibilities for enthusiasts to glimpse the cheetahs in their natural habitat.
The Festival Celebration
Scheduled from December 17 to 21, the Kuno Forest Festival becomes a celebration of biodiversity and cheetah conservation. The festival features a forest retreat (tent city) designed to attract wildlife enthusiasts and tourists alike. Attendees can immerse themselves in local art, craft, folk music, and dances while advocating for the protection of these majestic creatures. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as jungle safaris, hot air ballooning, parasailing, paragliding, cave excursions, folk music performances, and village tours.
The National Park
Situated in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, Kuno National Park exhibits a unique blend of Rajasthan’s vegetation due to its proximity to the state border. The decision to release cheetahs follows meticulous monitoring of 15 cheetahs, part of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, which has seen the relocation of 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. The gradual release has received in-principle approval from the steering committee, despite the unfortunate loss of six adult cheetahs and three cubs born in India since March this year. Conservation efforts, however, persist.
Getting There
For those eager to witness this conservation success, Sheopur is the gateway to Kuno National Park. The nearest airport is Jaipur (203 km), offering daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis are readily available from Jaipur to Sheopur. The closest railway station is Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), just 65 km away, with accessible bus and taxi services. Kuno is easily reachable by a 65 km road journey from Sheopur.
Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to wildlife conservation not only enriches the biodiversity of Kuno National Park but also creates a unique experience for tourists eager to witness the grace and speed of these magnificent cheetahs in their natural habitat.