19-month-old cheetah cub dies in Jabalpur after being found with suspected gunshot injuries
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Wildlife conservation and anti-poaching measures: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
A 19-month-old male cheetah cub died in Jabalpur after being found with suspected gunshot injuries in the Morena Forest Division, prompting a poaching investigation by the State Tiger Strike Force.
Background
The cub, born to a female named Nirva, was found on October 25, 2026, outside Kuno National Park. It was treated at the School of Wildlife Forensic and Health in Jabalpur before succumbing to its injuries on October 27, 2026.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentIndia's total cheetah population as of October 2026 is 58.
- PlaceKuno National Park is the primary site for India's cheetah reintroduction programme.
- FactThe cheetah cub was found with approximately three to four pellets recovered from its body.
- BodyThe State Tiger Strike Force is the body investigating the suspected poaching incident.
Prelims practice question
With reference to India's cheetah reintroduction programme, consider the following statements:
- Kuno National Park is the primary site for the cheetah reintroduction programme.
- The total cheetah population in India as of October 2026 is 158.
- The State Tiger Strike Force is the body investigating the suspected poaching incident.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The total cheetah population as of October 2026 is 58.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the challenges in ensuring the survival of reintroduced species in India's protected areas amidst poaching threats and habitat fragmentation.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Monitoring gaps: Limitations of satellite-based radio collars in detecting real-time poaching activities
- Enforcement hurdles: Coordination between forest divisions and specialized strike forces in poaching prevention
- Habitat security: Vulnerability of reintroduced species in buffer zones outside core protected areas
Keywords: Project Cheetah · Poaching · Wildlife Forensic · Conservation Biology · Habitat Management
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.