Cheetah crossings into Rajasthan spark debate over letting them settle naturally

Jaipur: The steady movement of cheetahs from Kuno National Park into Rajasthan has revived a familiar debate within conservation circles: Should these animals be allowed to settle where they disperse naturally, or should they be captured and returned each time they cross state boundaries?

Wildlife experts are increasingly inclined towards restraint. They argue that such dispersal is natural behaviour, indicating that the landscape is being explored and, perhaps, accepted by the species. The recent sighting of cheetah KP-2 inside the tourism zone of Ranthambore National Park has nonetheless raised concern, given the established presence of tigers and other large carnivores in the area. However, experts have cautioned against repeated intervention.

Former honorary wildlife warden Balendu Singh said, “In Africa, cheetahs live alongside other apex predators. This animal (KP-2) has come on its own; it should be allowed to find its place. It has entered Rajasthan three times already and may continue to do so. It is not appropriate to tranquillise and interfere every time, as long as it remains within a protected area.”

The issue has also drawn political attention. Chhabra MLA Pratap Singh Singhvi has written to the state’s forest minister, suggesting that cheetah KP-3 be allowed to remain permanently in Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

In his letter, Singhvi pointed out that the animal spent nearly two weeks around the sanctuary before moving inside, indicating a degree of adaptation. “This suggests that the cheetah has adjusted to the local ecology and may be attempting to establish a home range here. A considered decision should be taken to allow it to settle, ensuring both its safety and habitat conservation,” he said.

Forest sources indicated that two more cheetahs are currently ranging near the Palighat stretch of the Chambal River, still on the Madhya Pradesh side but close enough to cross into Rajasthan at any time. An alert has been issued.

Experts believe such movements could gradually reshape wildlife dynamics in the region. “As cheetahs disperse, they will inevitably move through landscapes, such as Dholpur, Ramgarh, Mukundra and Ranthambore, that already support tigers. Over time, some degree of coexistence may emerge. It is new for India, but not unusual in ecological terms,” said a wildlife expert.

A forest official confirmed that KP-2 is currently being tracked in the Phalodi range of Ranthambore. The animal has not made a kill since its arrival. “It appears to be hungry, but tranquillising in this heat is not advisable. Moreover, it has already been tranquillised twice. For now, we are only monitoring its movement,” the official said.
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