Madhya Pradesh plans to start cheetah safaris to boost Kuno tourism

The Madhya Pradesh state government is now planning to start a cheetah safari in the Saisaipura area of the Kuno National Park (KNP). This move comes as a bid to boost tourism and generate revenue. This was informed by a forest official who was aware of the matter.

If reports are to go by, the state has already sent a proposal to the Central Zoo Authority and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for approval. Referring to this, the official added that a proposal has been sent to lure tourists and for the economic development of Saisaipura area. It will be developed in 150 hectares, KNP Director Uttam Kumar Sharma added.
Also a senior officer from the MP Forest Department added that the safari will have cheetahs who cannot survive in the wild, and thereby can be easily sighted by people.

Read more: Peru: Archaeologists uncover ceramic-filled tomb of 3000-year-old priest
As reported earlier, six adult cheetahs have so far lost their lives in Kuno since their translocation to India in two batches from Namibia and South Africa in September last year and February 2023, respectively. Also, three of the four cubs born in India have also died.
The officer further elaborated that since it is difficult for tourists to spot cheetahs at Kuno, they have decided to start a safari. If everything goes as planned, the safari will have two female cheetahs from Namibia, the officer added.

He also added that the safari will also serve as a breeding centre to boost the cheetah population as mating between wild cheetahs is an issue of concern.
It has to be noted that the Kuno National Park is probably one of the most underrated wildlife parks in the country, yet an interesting place to visit for wildlife lovers. Established in 1981, this park serves as home to a wide range of animals and exotic plants, apart from the cheetahs.