Cheetah Roaming: Jwala and Cubs Venture Beyond Kuno Park

Cheetah Jwala and her cubs, released into Kuno National Park's wild in February, ventured outside park boundaries for the first time, reaching rural areas by Sunday. Villagers chased them off when Jwala attempted a calf hunt. Officials urge calm, as 17 cheetahs, including cubs, currently roam the park.

A female cheetah named Jwala, along with her quartet of cubs, was seen exploring the neighboring rural areas of Kuno National Park, Sheopur, after being released into the wild earlier this year, according to forest officials. This marks their first notable journey beyond park confines since their release on February 21.

The cheetah family was initially observed near Veerpur tehsil on Sunday evening. Jwala's attempt to hunt a calf was thwarted as villagers chased the animals away with sticks, despite the presence of forest department and cheetah tracking officials, who advised residents against such actions.

Uttam Kumar Sharma, Director of the Cheetah Project, emphasized that villagers should not fear the cheetahs, instead allow them passage. He reassured that compensation is available if cattle are hunted. At present, 17 cheetahs—11 cubs and six adults—roam freely in Kuno National Park.

(With inputs from agencies.)