Kuno National Park Implements New Monitoring System to Save Cheetah Cubs

New Monitoring Mechanism Developed for Cheetah Cubs at Kuno

Kuno National Park, Sheopur | September 7, 2026 – Cheetah conservation efforts at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park have achieved a major success with the development of a specialized monitoring system. This innovative protocol aims to effectively increase the survival rate of cheetah cubs, representing a significant departure from traditional African practices where dens are often kept undisturbed, leading to unfortunate cub mortality.

Kuno's new model strikes a delicate balance between intensive monitoring and maintaining a non-disruptive distance from the mother cheetah. According to Project Cheetah Director Uttam Kumar Sharma, the need for this specialized technique became apparent when three out of the first four cubs born at Kuno succumbed to extreme heat.

This incident served as a clear indication that existing methods were insufficient, necessitating a more effective approach to cub protection. The necessity for a specialized monitoring mechanism arose from the traditional belief among wildlife experts and biologists that human presence near active den sites could alter the mother cheetah's behavior, potentially leading to relocation or abandonment of cubs in critical situations.

However, Kuno chose to take this calculated risk, attempting to ascertain if close monitoring of dens was possible without disturbing the mother or compromising cub safety. This experiment has proven to be entirely successful, and Kuno is now preparing to release a manual based on this experience to benefit other conservation sites.

Modern Technology-Based Monitoring

At Kuno National Park, a dedicated team of over 100 forest rangers and trackers is working around the clock to ensure the safe monitoring of newborn cubs. To enhance cub security and minimize human intervention, modern technologies are being extensively utilized, including 24/7 CCTV cameras, real-time data from satellite collars on mother cheetahs, and drone surveillance.

Mother cheetahs typically remain with their cubs in the den for three to four days after birth before venturing out for food. Taking advantage of these hunting excursions, the specialized monitoring team conducts thorough health checks on the cubs while maintaining a safe distance. This technology offers the wildlife team a unique opportunity to assess the cubs' physical condition without direct human interference.

Success Metrics and Current Status

The outcomes of this innovative and successful monitoring system are now clearly evident. Kuno National Park has recorded an unprecedented increase in its cheetah cub survival rate, which has now reached 61 percent. This figure is particularly significant as, in natural African habitats, only an average of 10 to 40 percent of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood.

Currently, Kuno National Park is home to a total of 49 cheetahs, comprising 15 adult males, 15 adult females, and 19 newborn cubs. This demonstrates that the new monitoring system is not only effective in ensuring cub survival but is also making a substantial contribution to the overall growth of the cheetah population.

Additionally, three cheetahs (two males and one female) were relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh a year and a half ago, as part of broader conservation efforts. This system proves how a harmonious integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology can yield unprecedented results in the conservation of sensitive wildlife species.