Nine cheetahs from Botswana boost India’s big-cat revival drive at Kuno

Nine cheetahs flown in from Botswana arrived safely on Saturday at Kuno National Park in Sheopur, taking the total number of the species in India to 48 and providing a fresh boost to the country’s ambitious population-revival programme.

The big cats — the third batch brought from Africa under the four-year reintroduction plan — were transported aboard an aircraft of the Indian Air Force to Gwalior before being airlifted by military helicopters to the park. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav is scheduled to release them into specially prepared enclosures.

The latest arrivals follow earlier translocations from Namibia and South Africa, part of a long-term effort to re-establish a viable wild cheetah population decades after the species went extinct in India.


Officials say expanding numbers and dispersing animals across habitats is key to the programme’s success. Three cheetahs have already been shifted to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, while most remain at Kuno. Conservationists stress that housing all animals in a single habitat risks disease outbreaks that could devastate the population.

Breeding results have shown encouraging signs. Since 2023, 39 cubs have been born at Kuno, with 27 surviving. Earlier this year alone, nine cubs were born in two litters between February 7 and 18. Several adult cheetahs — including Jwala, Aasha, Gamini, Veera, Nirva and Mukhi — have successfully produced offspring, strengthening hopes that the reintroduction effort can achieve its near-term goal of reaching a population of 50.