Cheetah KP-3 tranquillised near Rajasthan–MP border after prolonged movement

Jaipur: A male cheetah, KP-3, was tranquillised and rescued Wednesday near the Rajasthan-Madhya Pradesh border after remaining on the move for nearly six weeks, with its presence near human settlements triggering concern among villagers.

The animal, which had strayed out of Kuno National Park, was tracked and located in a forested patch in Jhalawar district. A specialised team immobilised the cheetah after it was found resting at a plantation site, officials said. It covered a considerable distance overnight before being traced.

Forest teams from both states, along with veterinarians and wildlife experts, coordinated the operation. The cheetah’s movement was monitored closely over the past few days as it moved across forest divisions and briefly entered areas close to agricultural fields, prompting precautionary measures.

A senior forest official said, “The animal moved through parts of Baran district before crossing into Madhya Pradesh and then returning towards the Rajasthan border, complicating tracking efforts. It crossed back into Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district, where it was roaming since May 1 before again approaching the Rajasthan border on Tuesday. Its repeated approach towards habitation led authorities to intervene.”

“Given its proximity to villages, tranquillisation was necessary to avoid any risk to people as well as the animal,” he added.

Following the operation, KP-3 has been shifted back towards Kuno National Park, where it will be monitored and examined before being released into its habitat.

KP-3 is among the cubs born in India under the cheetah reintroduction programme, a project that began with the translocation of African cheetahs in 2022.

Meanwhile, the movement of another cheetah, KP-2, near villages on the fringes of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has added to anxiety among residents. In some areas, people have avoided venturing into fields, while routine activities, including children attending school, have been affected.

Forest officials said the situation is being closely monitored and appropriate action will be taken if the animal continues to move close to human settlements. “Since it is moving close to human habitation, it will be tranquillised and taken back too,” a source added.
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