INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
BHOPAL: A fierce encounter took place between two cheetah coalitions in Kuno National Park, resulting in injuries and a clear victor
The confrontations were sparked by territorial disputes, including access to prey and local females
Experts from Project Cheetah had anticipated a showdown between the male coalitions due to the limited open spaces in the park and because
both coalitions are seeking the same turf near their former enclosures.The clash marked the second encounter in as many weeks, with the
first incident having been diffused by forest officials
However, this time, the confrontation escalated
The Namibian brothers, Guarav and Shaurya, known as "The Rock Stars," fiercely defended their territory against the South African coalition,
Agni and Vayu, also known as "The White Walkers." The Namibian cheetahs emerged victorious, chasing away their challengers and inflicting
serious injuries.Due to the severity of the injuries sustained by Agni and Vayu, the field teams swiftly transported them to the
veterinarians at Kuno for treatment
Although battered and bloodied, it is expected that The White Walkers will survive and recover.The Rock Stars, Guarav and Shaurya, who
earned their names from music-loving conservationists in Namibia, remained unharmed during the confrontation
This cheetah coalition, along with The White Walkers, play a crucial role in Project Cheetah as they contribute to the genetic diversity of
India's cheetah population.Shaurya, also known as Freddie, is the father of the surviving female cub born to Siyaya
Tragically, three of Siyaya's cubs succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration during May's heatwave
However, the lone survivor is steadily gaining weight and receiving attentive care from Project Cheetah staff.Interestingly, Agni and Vayu
were involved in the mating-related death of South African female cheetah, Dashka
However, their aggressive tactics proved unsuccessful against the dominance of Guarav and Shaurya, who demonstrated their prowess in the
territorial dispute.Barthelemy Balli, Conservation Release Program Manager from Namibia's Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), has been present
at Kuno National Park for the past two weeks, providing support to the field teams and assisting in the care of the surviving cub and other
cheetahs within the park.Territorial fights among cheetahs are not uncommon, and the intervention of field teams and veterinary care
significantly increases the chances of survival for injured animals
Infections resulting from wounds sustained during such conflicts can prove fatal for wildlife.The outcome of the clash has provided a
definitive answer to those speculating about the dominant coalition at Kuno National Park - The Rock Stars reign supreme.
