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Kuno Cheetahs likely to be back in wild by October-end

In a phased approach starting late October, African cheetahs brought to India will be released into the wild at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Mixed pairs of male and female cheetahs will be released to prevent conflicts. The Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary is also prepared to welcome a new batch of cheetahs as the second home in India.

NEW DELHI: The African cheetahs brought to India as part of the world's first intercontinental translocation of big cats will be released back into the wild in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in a phased manner starting October-end. Release from their enclosures into the wild will happen with a combo of one each of male and female cheetah as releasing only male cheetahs could lead to conflicts due to overcrowding near the fenced enclosures as they search for mates. Officials in the environment ministry Monday said the Agni-Vayu coalition will be released first in Palpur East range, while Prabhash-Pavak coalition will be released in a different area.

"All 12 surviving adult cheetahs (a group of two each) will be released in a phased manner," said an official. They said Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary , which will be second home of cheetahs in India, is ready to welcome a new batch. tnn.