Five Cubs Born to Namibian Cheetah at Kuno National Park: India’s Cheetah Population Rises to 35
Project Cheetah Gains Momentum Under India’s Historic Wildlife Reintroduction Programme
In a major milestone for wildlife conservation in India, five cubs have been born to a Namibian cheetah at Kuno National Park, raising the total cheetah population in the park to 35. This development marks another significant success under Project Cheetah, India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme.
The birth of the cubs strengthens India’s efforts to restore ecological balance and revive a species that had been declared extinct in the country more than seven decades ago.
Background: Extinction of Cheetahs in India
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was once widely distributed across India’s grasslands and semi-arid regions. However, due to:
• Overhunting during the colonial era
• Habitat destruction
• Decline in prey base
the species was officially declared extinct in India in 1952.
India became the only country in the world to lose its entire cheetah population in modern history.
Launch of Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah was officially launched on September 17, 2022, marking a historic day for wildlife conservation. On this occasion, Prime Minister of india released eight cheetahs translocated from Namibia into Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Later, additional cheetahs were brought from South Africa, increasing the founding population.
This was the world’s first intercontinental translocation of a large carnivore for conservation purposes.
Why Kuno National Park?
Kuno National Park was selected after detailed ecological studies because:
• It has adequate grassland and woodland habitat
• Sufficient prey base such as chital and blackbuck
• Low human interference
• Large core area suitable for territorial carnivores
The park is located in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district and covers about 748 sq. km.
Significance of the Birth of Five Cubs
The birth of five cubs to a Namibian female cheetah is important because:
It shows successful adaptation to Indian climatic conditions.
It confirms breeding success in the wild.
It improves genetic diversity within the population.
It strengthens the long-term viability of Project Cheetah.
With the population now rising to 35, the project has entered a stabilization phase.
Objectives of Project Cheetah
The main objectives include:
Restoring India’s grassland ecosystems
Re-establishing the cheetah as a top predator
Enhancing biodiversity conservation
Generating livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism
Promoting scientific wildlife management
The project is being implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India and international conservation experts.
Environmental Importance
Cheetahs are apex predators and play a crucial role in:
Maintaining prey population balance
Preventing overgrazing
Supporting healthy grassland ecosystems
Grasslands are among the most neglected ecosystems in India, and Project Cheetah indirectly promotes their protection.
Challenges Faced
Despite successes, the project has faced challenges:
• Mortality due to infections and adaptation stress
• Monitoring and radio-collaring issues
• Climatic differences between Africa and India
• Need for larger habitat corridors
Exam-Oriented Highlights (Home Academy Notes)
Project launched: 17 September 2022
Location: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
First batch: 8 cheetahs from Namibia
Second batch: Cheetahs from South Africa
Implementing authority: NTCA
India declared cheetah extinct: 1952
Current population at Kuno: 35
The birth of five cubs at Kuno National Park represents a turning point in India’s wildlife conservation journey. Project Cheetah is not merely about reintroducing a species; it symbolizes ecological restoration, scientific management, and global cooperation in conservation.
If the current trend continues, India may soon establish a self-sustaining cheetah population, restoring a lost chapter of its natural heritage.
Project Cheetah stands as one of the most ambitious and scientifically significant conservation experiments in the world, reaffirming India’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
