The Madhya Pradesh government praised the reintroduction of cheetahs at Kuno National Park as a significant step in India’s wildlife conservation efforts. The state government noted positive signs such as the survival of breeding females, growth of second-generation cubs, and expansion into new habitats under the cheetah reintroduction program. This progress indicates the gradual integration of cheetahs into India’s forest ecosystem.
The government highlighted the birth of second-generation cubs at Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as a crucial milestone for Project Cheetah. Despite initial challenges like cheetah deaths due to natural causes and adaptation issues, surviving cheetahs have successfully adjusted to Indian conditions, prey availability, and ecological surroundings. This adaptation signifies a promising path towards the long-term sustainability of the project.
Female cheetah Gamini recently gave birth to her second litter, with healthy sub-adult cubs from her earlier litter and new cubs. Another female cheetah, Veera, is exploring open forest areas with her 13-month-old cub, while Nirva and her three 10-month-old cubs are under observation in a protected enclosure. Among the eight cheetahs translocated from Namibia, three are currently in Kuno National Park and in good health, with 12 cubs born to them still alive.
Between 2023 and 2026, a total of 39 cubs were born at Kuno, with 27 currently alive. Eight cheetahs from South Africa are now in Kuno, adapting well to the habitat, while three have been moved to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Ten cubs born to South African-origin cheetahs are alive. Mukhi, the first cheetah born in India under the project, has given birth to five cubs, marking a significant milestone. Project Cheetah has also boosted public involvement in wildlife conservation, training over 450 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ to support conservation efforts and create employment opportunities for local communities.
The government’s goal is to establish a self-sustaining cheetah population of 60 to 70 across nearly 17,000 square kilometers by 2032. Plans include setting up a conservation breeding center in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat.
