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India's Cheetah Population Hits 48 with New Arrivals from Botswana

Nine cheetahs from Botswana have been released at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, raising India's total cheetah population to 48. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for enabling the ambitious Project Cheetah. The project, which began in 2022, is the world's first intercontinental big cat translocation aimed at reviving a species extinct in India since 1952. The current population includes 28 cubs born in India, with most cheetahs residing in Kuno and a few in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Key Points: 9 Botswana Cheetahs Released in Kuno, India's Total Now 48

  • 9 cheetahs from Botswana released
  • Total Indian cheetah count now 48
  • 28 are India-born cubs
  • Project Cheetah is world-first intercontinental translocation
3 min read

MP: 9 Cheetahs from Botswana released at Kuno National Park in Sheopur, India's Cheetah population rises to 48

India's cheetah population rises to 48 as 9 new cheetahs from Botswana are released in MP's Kuno National Park under Project Cheetah.

"I express gratitude to Prime Minister Modi... under his vision and guidance, this cheetah project has been possible. - Bhupender Yadav"

Sheopur, February 28

Another milestone for India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction project was achieved as nine cheetahs from Botswana were released at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district on Saturday.

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav was present at the park during the release, along with senior forest officials and other authorities.

With the arrival of these nine cheetahs from Botswana, the total number of cheetahs in India has now reached 48, including 28 India-born cubs. Of these, 45 are in Kuno National Park and three in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

"I express gratitude to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the Environment and Forest Department that under his vision and guidance, this cheetah project has been possible. Initially, PM Modi released the first lot of eight cheetahs from Namibia to Kuno National Park. After that a second lot of cheetahs were brought from South Africa and now today a third lot of nine Cheetahs were brought from Botswana. On this occasion, I thank the Government of Botswana and the officials who supported us in this cheetah revival programme," Yadav told reporters.

He also highlighted that previously a total of 20 Cheetahs, eight from Namibia and 12 Cheetahs from South Africa were shifted here, resulting in growing the Cheetah population in India to 39, including 28 India-born cubs. These cheetahs are surviving in Kuno as well as in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

"It is the first project of translocating big cats between two countries. We also faced various challenges regarding the immunity, survival and local habitat of the Cheetahs but with the efforts of our officials and support of local people worked for the conservation of the big cats. I also extend my regards to CM Mohan Yadav who continuously reviewed the project," he added.

Additionally, in a post on X, the Union Minister stressed that the newly arrived cheetahs comprise six females and three males. Expressing pleasure over the addition, he said that the arrival further strengthens India's growing cheetah population.

"Adding to the purrs in Kuno! After eight cheetahs from Namibia were first reintroduced to India on September 17, 2022, and 12 were brought from South Africa in February 2023, I am thrilled to announce the arrival of nine cheetahs from Botswana -- 6 females and 3 males -- at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park. With a thriving population of 39 cheetahs in India, including 28 India-born cubs, the ambitious Project Cheetah, undertaken under the environmentally-conscious leadership of PM Narendra Modi, has been a great success. I welcome our new friends from Botswana and wish they thrive and multiply in India's wild," Yadav said in a post on X.

'Project Cheetah' is India's world-first intercontinental translocation project, launched on September 17, 2022. The project aimed to reintroduce the cheetah to India, which went extinct in the country in 1952.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a wildlife enthusiast, I'm thrilled! But we must ensure the focus remains on conservation, not just numbers. The real success will be a self-sustaining wild population. Hope the park management has robust plans for monitoring and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
P
Priya S
28 India-born cubs! That's the most heartwarming part of this story. It means they are adapting and breeding. Mother Nature is giving her approval. Wishing long and healthy lives to all the cheetahs in Kuno.
R
Rohit P
While the project is commendable, I have a respectful criticism. The article and the minister's speech are full of political credit-taking. Conservation should be beyond politics. Let's celebrate the scientists and rangers on the ground more than the leaders in Delhi.
V
Vikram M
Great international cooperation with Namibia, South Africa, and now Botswana. This puts India on the global map for wildlife conservation. Hope this success leads to more such projects for other endangered species.
K
Kavya N
As someone from Madhya Pradesh, it's wonderful to see our state becoming a haven for big cats. After tigers, now cheetahs! This will also boost responsible eco-tourism and help local economies. Just hope the tourism is managed carefully to not disturb the animals.

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