Kuno National Park
Originally established as a wildlife sanctuary to create a second home for the Asiatic lion, Kuno gained global attention in 2022 as the site of India's historic cheetah reintroduction programme — the first intercontinental translocation of a wild carnivore. Situated in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, the park's dry deciduous forests and open grasslands now support a growing population of African cheetahs alongside leopards, wolves, and a rich prey base.
Area (km²)
748.76
Established
2018
District
Sheopur
Nearest City
Sheopur
Quick Facts
Kuno is the only park in the world currently hosting a cheetah reintroduction programme from Africa.
The first batch of eight African cheetahs was flown in from Namibia on 17 September 2022.
The park was originally developed to serve as a second home for Asiatic lions from Gir.
Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to a national park in 2018.
Habitat & Best Time to Visit
Habitat Types
Best Time to Visit
Oct – Jun
Park is typically closed during monsoon (July–September). Best cheetah sightings November–March.
Gates & Safari Zones
Tiktoli
Zone Core
Main entry gate; advance permit required for core zone.
Agara
Zone Buffer
Buffer zone access; open year-round except peak monsoon.
Gharial
Gavialis gangeticus
Sloth Bear
Melursus ursinus
Sambar Deer
Rusa unicolor
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
Four-horned Antelope
Tetracerus quadricornis
Blackbuck
Antilope cervicapra
Indian Peafowl
Pavo cristatus
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Indian Vulture
Gyps indicus
Mugger Crocodile
Crocodylus palustris
Leopard
Panthera pardus
Chital
Axis axis