Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh: Kuno National Park has recorded the birth of three cheetah cubs, marking a significant milestone for India’s ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme, Project Cheetah. The cubs were born to Gamini, a South African-origin cheetah and a second-time mother, officials confirmed.
The birth coincides with the third anniversary of the arrival of African cheetahs in India, adding symbolic significance to the development. With this latest litter, the number of successful cheetah births on Indian soil has risen to nine.
According to forest authorities, the addition of the three cubs has increased the number of surviving India-born cheetahs to 27. The country’s total cheetah population, including both imported and Indian-born individuals, now stands at 38.
Officials described the development as an encouraging sign for the long-term success of Project Cheetah, which aims to reintroduce and establish a viable population of the species in India after its extinction in 1952.
Wildlife experts noted that successful breeding is a key indicator of adaptation, suggesting that the cheetahs are gradually adjusting to local environmental conditions. The park’s management and veterinary teams have been closely monitoring the health of the mother and cubs.
Launched as one of the world’s most ambitious wildlife translocation initiatives, Project Cheetah has faced several challenges since its inception. However, consecutive successful litters have strengthened confidence among conservationists.
Authorities stated that continuous monitoring and habitat management remain critical to ensuring the survival of the cubs and the stability of the population.
The latest development is being seen as a positive step in India’s efforts to restore its lost wildlife heritage and reinforce conservation outcomes.
