New Delhi: A day after a 19-month-old cheetah from Kuno National Park died at a medical centre in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has deputed a high-level team to investigate the incident and examine the possibility of poaching. The Centre confirmed that the cheetah died from “firearm pellet injuries”.
In a statement issued on 28 October, the Union government said it had taken “serious note” of the death of the 19-month-old cheetah.
“Viewing the matter with utmost gravity, the Centre has deputed a high-level team for an on-ground investigation into the incident, given the critical importance of Project Cheetah and the need to ensure the highest standards of protection for the reintroduced population of the Big Cat,” the statement read.
Centre’s team to investigate possible poaching
The central team will comprise the Inspector General of Forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Additional Director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Regional Deputy Director, WCCB.
“The team has been tasked with undertaking a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the cheetah, examining all available evidence and coordinating closely with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department to ensure strict and swift action in the matter,” the Centre’s statement added.
According to the statement, the team will also examine the implementation of security protocols and the monitoring and protection measures in place to prevent similar incidents.
“The central team would submit its findings and recommendations to the Ministry for further directions to the state government and field authorities,” the statement said.
Also Read: Injured cheetah dies in Madhya Pradesh. Big cat number down to 58
Cheetah found injured near Morena-Sheopur border
On 20 October, the cheetah was found injured by the monitoring team of Kuno National Park near the Morena-Sheopur border. Officials said the animal had several marks on its back and was immediately taken to the park’s medical centre for treatment.
On Monday, as his condition worsened, he was shifted to Jabalpur, where he died of his injuries the following day, 27 October.
Madhya Pradesh Forest Department officials confirmed to ThePrint that four metal pellets were recovered from the cheetah’s abdomen, raising the possibility of a poaching attempt.
The cheetah was an offspring of Nirva, who was brought to India from South Africa as part of Project Cheetah.
State government forms special task force
The Madhya Pradesh government has already constituted a Special Task Force (STF), comprising officers from the forest and police departments, to investigate the incident.
Officials said the central team deputed by the MoEFCC would coordinate with the state government’s team as part of the investigation.
(Edited by Maryam Hassan)