Kuno National Park: Reviving India's Wildlife

February 13, 2024

7 Minutes

Two cheetahs in Kuno National Park

Introduction

Kuno National Park, located in the heart of India, in Madhya Pradesh, is a shining example of the country's efforts toward wildlife conservation and protecting biodiversity. This large park is filled with varied landscapes, including rugged lands, dense forests, and winding rivers, all serving as a sanctuary for numerous species. The park was created to address the critical issue of declining wildlife populations in India and to serve as a new habitat for the Asiatic lion through an innovative reintroduction program. For those studying for the UPSC exam, it's important to understand not just the basic facts about Kuno National Park, like its geography or the animals and plants it houses, but also the broader principles of conservation efforts in India and how they strive to maintain a balance between human activities and the natural environment.

In News

Recently, a Namibian cheetah named Jwala gave birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, marking an important step in India's wildlife conservation, especially in reintroducing cheetahs. The news was announced by the government during the last week of January this year. This follows the birth of three cubs by another cheetah, Aasha, at the same park on January 3, showing progress in efforts to rebuild India's cheetah population, which had disappeared for many years.

History and Establishment

• Location and Significance: Kuno National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, plays a key role in wildlife conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation in the country.

• Named After: The park gets its name from the Kuno River, which flows through the area of the national park.

• Initial Purpose: Kuno National Park was established as a wildlife sanctuary in the 1981 to reintroduce Asiatic lion to its native habitat as unstopped poaching and habitat loss had led to the extinction of the species.

• Transformation: The park has undergone many significant changes since its inception and has evolved from a protected area to a national park, which is known for its contributions to wildlife conservation.

• Establishment as Wildlife Sanctuary: It was officially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981, marking the beginning of its conservation journey.

• Initial Area: The sanctuary initially spanned an area of 344.686 km², covering areas of the Sheopur and Morena districts.

• Named as a National Park: In 2018, Kuno was upgraded to a national park status, reinforcing India's commitment to creating a sustainable environment for wildlife to thrive.

Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts

Kuno National Park is home to an incredible variety of life, hosting species that are rare and endangered. The park's diverse ecosystems support:

Flora: The park boasts a wide range of plant species, from dense forests to sprawling grasslands, providing essential habitats for wildlife.

Fauna: Notable residents include the Asiatic lion, leopards, various deer species (such as the chital and sambar), and numerous bird species, making the park a birdwatcher's paradise.

Introduction of Cheetahs from Africa

• Kuno National Park made headlines in September 2022 when the Prime Minister of India led the historic reintroduction of cheetahs, bringing them back to India after they became extinct in the mid-20th century.
• This event aimed to improve the park's ecosystem, enhance the health of its grasslands, and increase biodiversity.
• In total, twenty cheetahs were moved to Kuno National Park in two groups. The first batch arrived in September 2022, and the second in February 2023.
• The February 2023 batch included 12 cheetahs from South Africa, following an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Africa to re-introduce cheetahs back to India.
• 8 cheetahs from Namibia were part of the reintroduction, with the Prime Minister personally releasing them into the park.

Key Conservation Efforts

Reintroduction of Asiatic Lions: Efforts to establish a second, viable population of Asiatic lions to prevent their extinction.

Cheetah Reintroduction Project: A landmark initiative to bring back cheetahs to India, enhancing the park's ecological diversity.

Challenges Faced by Kuno National Park

Despite its successes, Kuno National Park confronts several challenges that threaten its conservation goals:

Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encounters between local communities and wildlife can lead to tensions, often resulting from habitat encroachment or competition for resources.

Habitat Fragmentation: The loss and division of habitat due to human activities, like agriculture and development, limit the space available for wildlife.

Conservation of Reintroduced Species: Ensuring the survival and integration of reintroduced species like the cheetah into the park's ecosystem requires continuous effort and monitoring.

The Role of Kuno National Park in Global Conservation

Kuno National Park's efforts in wildlife conservation have not only bolstered India's environmental initiatives but also contributed to global biodiversity preservation. The park serves as a model for reintroduction and conservation projects worldwide, demonstrating the impact of dedicated conservation efforts on reversing the fortunes of endangered species and their habitats.

Conclusion

Kuno National Park stands as a demonstration to the power of conservation and the possibility of coexistence between humans and nature. Its journey from a mere idea to a thriving national park underscores the importance of dedication, science, and community involvement in environmental preservation. For UPSC aspirants and all Indians, Kuno represents not just a sanctuary for wildlife but a ray of hope for the future of our planet's biodiversity.

Practice Questions

MCQs

Question 1: Consider the following statements about Kuno National Park:

1. Kuno National Park was primarily established for the reintroduction of the Asiatic lion.
2. The park is located in the northeastern state of India.
3. It has played a significant role in the reintroduction of cheetahs to India after their extinction in the mid-20th century.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) All of the above

Question 2: Which of the following is not a direct benefit associated with the establishment of Kuno National Park?

A) Preservation of diverse flora and fauna

B) Mitigation of human-wildlife conflict

C) Immediate increase in the Asiatic lion population within the park

D) Enhancement of the park's grassland ecosystem

Question 3: Regarding the challenges faced by Kuno National Park, consider the following statements:

1. The reintroduction of species like the cheetah has been fully successful without any challenges.
2. Habitat fragmentation due to human activities is a significant threat to the park's biodiversity.
3. Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent issue, affecting both the local communities and the wildlife.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) All of the above

Answer Explanations
Question 1: B) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct as Kuno National Park was established with the aim of reintroducing the Asiatic lion to ensure their conservation. 
Statement 2 is incorrect because Kuno National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh, not in the northeastern part of India. 
Statement 3 is correct, highlighting the park's recent efforts in reintroducing cheetahs to India.

Question 2: C) Immediate increase in the Asiatic lion population within the park.
While Kuno National Park contributes to biodiversity preservation and ecosystem enhancement, the immediate increase in the Asiatic lion population has not been a direct benefit due to various challenges in relocation and adaptation processes.

Question 3: B) 2 and 3 only.
Statement 1 is incorrect as the reintroduction of species like cheetahs faces several challenges, including adaptation to the new environment and ensuring their long-term survival. 
Statements 2 and 3 are correct, identifying habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict as ongoing challenges for the park.

UPSC Mains Question

Evaluate the role of Kuno National Park in India's wildlife conservation efforts, particularly focusing on the reintroduction of species such as the Asiatic lion and cheetah. Discuss the challenges these initiatives face and propose strategies to overcome them.

Model Answer:

Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh exemplifies India's commitment to wildlife conservation, notably through the ambitious reintroduction of the Asiatic lion and cheetah. These initiatives are critical for biodiversity preservation and ecological balance.

Role in Conservation: The park has been central to efforts aimed at creating viable, self-sustaining populations of species that have faced severe threats in the past. The reintroduction projects are not just about bringing back species but also about restoring the ecological dynamics of the region, particularly the grassland ecosystem for cheetahs.

Challenges: Despite these noble efforts, several challenges persist. The foremost among these is ensuring the successful adaptation and growth of reintroduced populations. Habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflicts further exacerbate the situation, threatening the delicate balance between conservation and community livelihoods.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges: To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Enhancing habitat connectivity and quality can mitigate fragmentation issues. Community engagement programs promoting coexistence and benefit-sharing can alleviate human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, continuous monitoring, research, and adaptive management strategies are crucial for the successful establishment of reintroduced populations.

Kuno National Park's initiatives in reintroducing key species signify a bold step towards conservation. However, the success of these efforts hinges on overcoming the intertwined challenges of habitat preservation, species adaptation, and community support. Through concerted efforts from the government, conservation organizations, and local communities, Kuno can become a model for wildlife conservation and sustainable coexistence.