A 19-month-old male cheetah, identified as KNG22, died in Madhya Pradesh after five firearm pellets were recovered from its body during emergency surgery. The state government has formed a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate the incident.
The cheetah was rescued in an injured condition from Compartment No. 748 of the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division on October 25. An initial X-ray revealed multiple foreign bodies inside its body.
Following consultations with experts, the animal was shifted to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology at NDVSU in Jabalpur for further examination and intensive treatment.
Cheetah died early on Tuesday
A subsequent CT scan revealed injuries affecting its internal organs, musculoskeletal system and nervous system. During emergency surgery, veterinarians recovered five firearm pellets. However, the cheetah died early on Tuesday despite sustained efforts by the medical team.
The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted an STF comprising forest and police officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The development was announced by Dr Sameeta Rajora, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh, in a statement dated October 27.
Following KNG22’s death, India’s cheetah population stands at 58, including 52 in Kuno National Park, four in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and two in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
The circumstances surrounding the cheetah’s injuries remain under investigation.
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