Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Kuno National Park stands as a testament to India’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Covering an expansive area of 748 square kilometers, this park is a sanctuary for both flora and fauna. Let’s delve deeper into the wonders that await you within its boundaries.
Introduction
Kuno National Park: A Brief Overview Kuno National Park, nestled in the Sheopur and Shivpuri districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary. Here are some key historical points about Kuno:
- Early Establishment: Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1981, covering an initial area of approximately 344.68 km² (133.08 sq mi). The sanctuary was primarily created to protect vulnerable chinkara deer and other wildlife species.
- Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project: In the 1990s, Kuno was selected as a potential site for the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project. The project aimed to establish a second lion population in India, apart from the Gir Sanctuary. Between 1998 and 2003, around 1,650 inhabitants from 24 villages were resettled outside the protected area to facilitate this conservation effort. Most of these inhabitants belonged to the Saharia tribal community, as well as other groups like Jatav, Brahmin, Gujjar, Kushwaha, and Yadav.
- Buffer Zone: An additional area of 924 km² (357 sq mi) surrounding the wildlife sanctuary was designated as a buffer zone to accommodate human settlements.
- Cheetah Reintroduction: In 2009, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was also proposed as a potential site for reintroducing cheetahs in India. This initiative gained momentum, and in September 2022, eight African cheetahs were released into Kuno National Park, marking an exciting conservation milestone.
- Recent Developments: In December 2018, the state government officially changed the status of Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary to Kuno National Park, enlarging the protected area by 413 km² (159 sq mi). Additionally, in January 2022, the action plan for reintroducing cheetahs in India was launched, starting with Kuno National Park.
Geography and Landscape
Kuno National Park is a mesmerizing blend of diverse landscapes. Here are the key elements that define its topography:
- Vast Grasslands: As you explore the park, you’ll encounter vast expanses of grasslands. These open spaces provide essential grazing areas for herbivores and create a picturesque setting.
- Hills and Plateaus: The park’s undulating hills and plateaus offer breathtaking views. From elevated vantage points, visitors can witness the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
- Meandering Rivers: The Kuno River winds its way through the park, adding to its scenic charm. The gentle flow of water sustains life and attracts a variety of wildlife.
Biodiversity
Flora
Kuno National Park, nestled in the heart of the Vindhyachal mountain range, boasts a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Its vegetation plays a crucial role in supporting the park’s wildlife and maintaining its ecological balance.
Several tree species dominate Kuno National Park:
- Acacia catechu: Known for its dense foliage and thorny branches, Acacia catechu provides food and shelter for herbivores and birds.
- Salai (Boswellia serrata): The aromatic resin from Salai trees has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.
- Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon): Tendu leaves are used to wrap beedis (local cigarettes) and have economic importance for nearby communities.
- Dhok (Anogeissus latifolia): Dhok trees are hardy and drought-resistant, thriving even in challenging conditions.
- Ziziphus species: These small trees bear edible fruits and provide habitat for birds and insects.
Shrub and Grass Species
Prominent shrubs include Grewia flavescens, Helicteres isora, and Vitex negundo. These shrubs offer cover for small mammals and birds. Grasses like Themeda quadrivalvis, Cenchrus ciliaris, and Desmostachya bipinnata carpet the ground, supporting herbivores and soil health.
Common Plants
Senna tora and Argemone mexicana are widespread in Kuno National Park. Their yellow flowers add a splash of color to the landscape.
Fauna
Mammals
- 1. Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) The elusive Indian leopard, with its golden coat adorned by rosette-like spots, prowls the dense forests of Kuno. Its stealthy nature makes it a formidable predator.
- 2. Southeast African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) The presence of the Southeast African cheetah in Kuno National Park is remarkable. These speedsters, known for their lightning-fast sprints, add to the park’s biodiversity.
- 3. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) The jungle cat, resembling a domestic cat but with longer legs and a more robust build, thrives in the park’s grasslands and wetlands.
- 4. Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) The shaggy-coated sloth bear, often seen foraging for termites and fruits, contributes to the park’s ecological balance.
- 6. Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) The Indian wolf, adapted to arid landscapes, roams the grassy plains and scrublands of Kuno.
- 7. Indian Jackal (Canis aureus) Jackals, opportunistic scavengers, play an essential role in maintaining the park’s cleanliness.
- 8. Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) The striped hyena, with its distinctive coat pattern, scavenges and occasionally hunts small prey.
- 9. Bengal Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) The agile Bengal fox, with its bushy tail and pointed ears, thrives in the park’s arid regions.
Kuno National Park is also home to a variety of ungulates:
- Chital (Axis axis): The spotted deer, graceful and common, graze peacefully in the meadows.
- Sambar (Rusa unicolor): The majestic sambar, with its impressive antlers, frequents the forested areas.
- Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus): The blue bull, Nilgai, is the largest antelope in Asia.
- Chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis): The four-horned antelope, a unique species, roams the grasslands.
- Chinkara (Gazella bennettii): The Indian gazelle, adapted to arid habitats, is a swift runner.
- Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): The blackbuck, with its striking black and white coat, adds elegance to the landscape.
- Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): These sturdy omnivores root around for food in the forest floor.
Other Notable Species
Apart from the predators and ungulates, Kuno National Park hosts other fascinating creatures:
- Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)
- Ruddy Mongoose (Herpestes smithii)
- Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus)
- Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis)
- Gray Langur (Semnopithecus entellus)
- Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica)
- Indian Hare (Lepus nigricollis)
Reptiles
The reptilian residents of Kuno include:
- Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
- Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis)
- Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica)