19-month-old cheetah KNG22 dies after five firearm pellets recovered during surgery
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biodiversity & conservation· Prelims·
Wildlife conservation and human-wildlife conflict: a GS3 and Environment & Ecology case study.
Why in news
A 19-month-old male cheetah (KNG22) died at Kuno National Park after being rescued with firearm pellet injuries, leading to the formation of a Special Task Force by the state government.
Background
The cheetah, KNG22, was an offspring of Nirva and was rescued from Compartment No. 748 of the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division. Surgery was conducted at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University where five firearm pellets were recovered.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia currently has 58 cheetahs remaining after the death of KNG22
- PlaceKuno National Park is the site of the cheetah reintroduction project
- BodyNanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University conducted the surgery on the cheetah
- PlaceSheopur Territorial Forest Division is the specific area where the cheetah was rescued
Prelims practice question
With reference to the cheetah reintroduction project in India, consider the following statements:
- Kuno National Park is the site of the cheetah reintroduction project.
- The cheetah KNG22 was rescued from the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division.
- India currently has over 100 cheetahs remaining after the death of KNG22.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: India currently has 58 cheetahs remaining.
For Mains
Q. Evaluate the challenges in ensuring the safety of reintroduced apex predators in India's protected areas and suggest measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enforcement gap: Inadequate patrolling and monitoring in peripheral forest compartments
- Human-wildlife conflict: Poaching risks and illegal firearm usage in proximity to protected zones
- Institutional response: Need for specialized forensic investigation in wildlife mortality cases
Keywords: Apex predator · Human-wildlife conflict · Wildlife forensics · Conservation management · Habitat security
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