Poacher targeting Cheetah prey base inside Kuno national park arrested

Bhopal, India: The Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has arrested an alleged poacher targeting the prey base intended for Cheetahs translocated from Namibia and South Africa as part of the ambitious reintroduction project. This operation was carried out through the combined efforts of the Shivpuri unit of the STSF and the personnel of Kuno National Park.

Officials said the arrest was made in connection with forest crime case number 32702/10 dated March 9. The suspect has been identified as Ram Singh, of Guna (MP). On March 9 local staff patrolling the banks of the Kuno River within Kuno National Park encountered an armed person in the core area. Despite attempts to arrest him, the suspect fled, reportedly firing shots at them. Subsequent investigation led to the seizure of a mobile phone, gunpowder, and other incriminating items, aiding in the identification of the suspect.

Utilizing the seized evidence, a coordinated month-long search operation ensued, culminating in the arrest of the fugitive in Guna district. Ram Singh was presented before the local court and remanded for three days.
Officials noted that Ram Singh was not acting alone and is affiliated with the Mongia tribe, known for communal hunting practices. "They never engage in solo hunting endeavours. There is likely involvement of additional individuals, and Ram Singh is being interrogated for further information," stated an officer.

 Meanwhile, the female cheetah Veera, which had strayed from Kuno National Park, has been sighted roaming in the Jaura area of Morena. On Thursday, Veera hunted a goat and subsequently chased the shepherd. This was the second goat of the same shepherd being targeted by Veera.

Veera, accompanied by the male cheetah Pawan, departed from Kuno National Park on March 24. While Pawan returned to Kuno, Veera ventured beyond Pahargarh to reach the Pagara forest of Jaura via Dhanakuan and Chanchul, covering a distance of 319 kilometres. Villagers have refrained from venturing outdoors after dusk due to reports of a cheetah prowling in the vicinity. One villager reported a loss of Rs 25 thousand, occurring just ahead of her granddaughter's wedding on April 18. Veera's recent escapade is not an isolated incident. In January of the same year, she strayed into residential areas before returning to the general forest area of Veerpur after approximately 20 hours.

Veera was part of the second consignment of cheetahs imported from South Africa, with her release into the open forest occurring on December 20, 2023, following a health assessment.

Source: (The Times of India)