Cheetah Nirva gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, increasing the total cheetah population at the park to 29. With two cheetahs recently relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, the overall number of cheetahs (including cubs) in India now stands at 31. This marks another milestone in India’s ambitious Project Cheetah, which aims to restore the extinct species to the Indian wild.
Key Highlights
- Cheetah Nirva, a 5-year-old female, gave birth to 5 cubs at Kuno National Park.
- The total cheetah count at Kuno is now 29 (including cubs).
- Two cheetahs—Prabhash and Pavak—have been relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in April 2025.
- The total number of cheetahs in India is now 31, including the cubs.
Significance of Birth
- The birth of Nirva’s five cubs marks a significant success for Project Cheetah.
- Reflects growing adaptation and survival of translocated cheetahs in Indian conditions.
- Reinforces the project’s long-term viability for cheetah reintroduction and breeding in India.
- Enhances India’s conservation credentials and biodiversity strength.
About Project Cheetah
- Launched: September 2022
- Objective:
- Reintroduce African cheetahs (non-native subspecies) to India after local extinction.
- Restore savanna ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and promote eco-tourism.
Cheetahs Introduced So Far:
- 8 from Namibia (5 females, 3 males) – Sept 17, 2022
- 12 from South Africa – Feb 2023
Location:
- Kuno National Park, Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh
- Future sites under consideration: Banni Grasslands (Gujarat), Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary ( Madhya Pradesh)
Why Kuno National Park?
Selected as the most suitable site among 10 surveyed due to:
- Rich prey base
- Suitable dry forest/savanna habitat
Current Status (as of April 2025)
- Deaths: 8 adult cheetahs (3 females, 5 males) have died since arrival.
- Births: 17 cubs born in India, with 12 surviving.
- Current at Kuno: 24 cheetahs (including cubs), all in enclosures.
- Total in India: 31 cheetahs (after relocation to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary).
- Relocation Sites: Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (Neemuch and Mandsaur districts, MP) – 2 cheetahs moved here in April 2025.
Background: Why This Matters?
- Cheetah extinction in India: Native Asiatic cheetah went extinct in India in the 1950s.
- Only a small critically endangered population remains in Iran.
- Project Cheetah is the first intercontinental large carnivore translocation project globally.
- Kuno National Park was selected due to its suitable habitat and prey base among 10 shortlisted sites.
Long-Term Vision
- Carrying capacity of Kuno expected to be reached in 15 years.
- Wider landscape capacity estimated to be achieved in 30–40 years.
- The project aims to blend conservation and community development, with cheetahs serving as a flagship species to drive eco-tourism and local employment.