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MP CM Releases Botswana Cheetahs Into Kuno Forest, Boosting Project Cheetah

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two female cheetahs from Botswana into Kuno National Park after their quarantine period. The cheetahs, identified as CCV-2 and CCV-3, were released near the Kuno River. This release increases India's total cheetah population to 57, including cubs born in the country. Project Cheetah, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to restore the endangered species in India.

Key Points: MP CM Releases Botswana Cheetahs Into Kuno National Park

  • Two female cheetahs from Botswana released into Kuno National Park
  • Total cheetahs in India rises to 57, including cubs
  • Project Cheetah launched by PM Modi nearly 3.5 years ago
  • Cheetahs had been in quarantine since February for acclimatization
2 min read

MP CM releases two Botswana cheetahs into open forest at Kuno

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav released two female cheetahs from Botswana into Kuno National Park, increasing India's cheetah count to 57 under Project Cheetah.

"The land of Madhya Pradesh has provided a favourable environment for cheetahs and has played an important role in their rehabilitation. - Mohan Yadav"

Sheopur, May 11

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday released two female cheetahs brought from Botswana into the open forest area of Kuno National Park after they completed their quarantine and acclimatisation period, marking another milestone under India's ambitious 'Project Cheetah'.

The two cheetahs, named (for identification) as CCV-2 and CCV-3, were released near the banks of the Kuno River in Sheopur district. The animals were among nine cheetahs -- six females and three males -- brought from Botswana in February this year under the third international phase of 'Project Cheetah.'

Chief Minister Yadav also toured Kuno National Park after the cheetahs were released. New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla and Madhya Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Chairman Ramniwas Rawat were also accompanied him.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yadav said Madhya Pradesh has provided a suitable and secure environment for the rehabilitation of cheetahs and has emerged as the leading centre for the conservation initiative in the country.

"The land of Madhya Pradesh has provided a favourable environment for cheetahs and has played an important role in their rehabilitation, making them a part of its family," Yadav said.

He added that the cheetah reintroduction programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi nearly three-and-a-half years ago is progressing successfully and rapidly.

"Today, the cheetah rehabilitation project in the country is moving ahead successfully with rapid progress. Madhya Pradesh is setting new milestones in this important initiative," the Chief Minister added.

The Botswana cheetahs had been kept in controlled enclosures since February to help them adapt to local climatic and ecological conditions before their release into the open forest.

According to Kuno's official statement, the addition of the Botswana cheetahs has increased the total number of cheetahs in India, including cubs born in the country, to 57.

Of these, 54 are currently housed in Kuno National Park, while three are in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Earlier phases of the project saw the arrival of eight cheetahs from Namibia on September 17, 2022, followed by 12 cheetahs from South Africa in 2023.

The Centre's ambitious 'Project Cheetah' aims to restore the endangered species in India, increase its population, and eventually prepare the animals for free hunting and roaming in the wild.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an animal lover, this is wonderful news! But I wish the project was more transparent about how many cheetahs have actually survived since 2022. Also, what about the local communities around Kuno - are they being consulted? Conservation should include people too. 🌿
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Arjun K
Remember when cheetahs went extinct in India in 1952? Now we have 57! Kudos to the forest department and CM for making this happen. But I'm concerned about the winter months - Botswana cheetahs are used to warmer weather. Hope the enclosures are heated properly. 🙏
K
Kavya N
This is impressive but let's not forget the ethical concerns. These cheetahs are from Africa - are we sure they can thrive here? Also, what about the de-notification of villages near Kuno? The human cost of this project needs more discussion. Still, happy to see the big cats back in India! 🐾
J
James A
As a wildlife biologist, I find this project fascinating. But the success rate globally for cheetah reintroductions is only about 10-20%. India's doing well so far with 57 animals, but we need rigorous monitoring and genetic diversity management. Hope the government invests in long-term research. 🧬
R
Rohit P
Wah! 57 cheetahs in India now - that's amazing progress! But I'm skeptical about how many will actually survive in the wild. The fencing at Kuno might protect them from poachers, but what about natural predators or diseases? Still, proud of what we're achieving. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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