Cheetah cub found injured outside protected Kuno area raises fresh questions on wildlife safety

Morena, Madhya Pradesh: A 19-month-old cheetah cub, once belonging to the endangered female Nirva, was discovered injured in the Pahadgarh region on Sunday evening. The location has previously experienced poaching incidents, specifically two leopard killings a few months prior. Forest officials are currently probing the possibility of poaching or a potential attack by villagers using sticks or firearms.

The extent of the cub's injuries has yet to be determined. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Samita Rajora informed the media that a Special Task Force (STF) had been deployed to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The team observed the cub lying motionless for an extended period before discovering its injuries.

The Kuno National Park field director, Uttam Sharma, stated that the cause of the injury is under investigation. Morena district forest officer Harish Baghel revealed that both forest personnel and the STF are examining whether the cub was attacked by villagers or a leopard. Separately, two cheetahs entered a hut in Bamori village of Karhal, killing two calves early Sunday morning.

Villagers chased the animals away, leading to initial speculation that the cub found in Morena could be one of those chased. However, the distance between the two incidents suggests the injured cub is not the same as the one that chased villagers away. Earlier, videos circulated on social media showing villagers attempting to drive away cheetahs after they killed their cattle.