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Third Batch of Cheetahs from Botswana to Arrive at India's Kuno Park

Eight cheetahs from Botswana are scheduled to arrive at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, marking the third major translocation under India's Project Cheetah. The animals will be transported via special aircraft and IAF helicopters to dedicated helipads within the park. After arrival, they will undergo checks and a month-long quarantine for acclimatisation. The project, now shifting focus to long-term establishment, has seen successful breeding with multiple litters of cubs surviving in Kuno.

Key Points: Botswana Cheetahs Arrive in India's Kuno National Park

  • Third major translocation from Africa
  • Six females and two males arriving
  • Quarantine and acclimatisation for one month
  • Project now focused on long-term establishment and breeding
2 min read

Madhya Pradesh: Third batch of cheetahs to arrive in Kuno from Botswana

Eight cheetahs from Botswana arrive in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, boosting India's reintroduction project and growing wild population.

"strengthening the reintroduced population in the subcontinent, where the species had become extinct nearly seven decades ago - Officials"

Bhopal, Feb 27

Eight more cheetahs are set to arrive at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district from Botswana on February 28, in a further expansion of India's Translocation Project Cheetah.

This will be the third major translocation of cheetahs from Africa under the project. The incoming group comprises six females and two males and is aimed at strengthening the reintroduced population in the subcontinent, where the species had become extinct nearly seven decades ago.

According to officials, the cheetahs will be airlifted to India by a special aircraft and then transported from Gwalior to Kuno by two Indian Air Force helicopters.

The helicopters are scheduled to depart at 8.30 a.m. and land at Kuno around 9.30 a.m.

Five dedicated helipads have been prepared within the park to facilitate the operation, which will be conducted in accordance with established scientific and veterinary protocols.

Upon arrival, the animals will undergo mandatory immigration, customs and veterinary checks, along with security clearances. They will then be placed in specially prepared enclosures for a quarantine period of about one month to allow for acclimatisation and health monitoring.

Kuno National Park already hosts a growing cheetah population. Under Project Cheetah, launched in 2022, the focus has now shifted from initial reintroduction to long-term establishment and breeding.

Of the 12 cheetahs brought from South Africa last year, eight remain healthy in Kuno, while three have been relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary as part of the population expansion strategy.

Breeding has also been recorded. Ten cubs born to South African-origin females are reported to be surviving. Officials said Mukhi, the first adult female cheetah born in captivity in Kuno, has delivered five cubs.

Another female, Gamini, has given birth twice. Her three sub-adult cubs from the first litter are reported to be healthy, and she has recently delivered three more cubs.

Veera is currently roaming in the open forest with her 13-month-old cub, while Nirva is rearing her three 10-month-old cubs in a protected enclosure.

With the arrival of the Botswana cheetahs, the overall number at Kuno is expected to increase further, strengthening the long-term conservation and population objectives of the project.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the project is ambitious and the intent is good, I hope the focus remains on the long-term welfare of the animals and not just headlines. The initial deaths were a setback. We must ensure Kuno has the prey base and space to support this growing population sustainably.
R
Rohit P
Amazing to see the IAF helicopters being used for such a noble cause! Jai Hind. The logistics sound impressive - 5 helipads, special aircraft. Hope this batch adapts well and strengthens the gene pool. The cub news is the best part!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global conservation efforts, this is a landmark project. Translocation between continents is incredibly complex. The reported breeding success is a very positive sign. Wishing the team and the new cheetahs all the best for a smooth transition.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but what about the local communities around Kuno? Are they being involved and compensated for any loss of grazing land or livestock? Conservation cannot succeed without the support of the people living alongside the park. That's the Indian way.
K
Kavya N
So heartwarming to read about Mukhi, Gamini, Veera, and Nirva and their cubs! 🥹 It feels like we're getting to know them. This project is giving us a chance to rewrite history. Can't wait to see cheetahs back in Indian grasslands where they belong.

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