New Delhi: India’s ambitious wildlife conservation effort under Project Cheetah marked a major milestone on Saturday as Aasha, a Namibian cheetah, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. With this latest litter, the total number of cheetahs in India has risen to 35, while the count of surviving Indian-born cubs now stands at 24.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the development in a post on social media platform X, calling it a proud and historic moment for India’s cheetah conservation journey. He said Aasha, a second-time mother, delivered the cubs on February 7, making it the eighth successful cheetah litter since the species was reintroduced in the country.
The minister praised the tireless efforts of field staff and veterinarians involved in Project Cheetah, stating that the achievement reflects their dedication, expertise and continuous on-ground monitoring. He expressed hope that Aasha and her cubs would thrive and further strengthen India’s long-term conservation goals.
With the new births, Kuno National Park continues to emerge as the centrepiece of India’s cheetah revival programme, which was launched in September 2022 to reintroduce the species that went extinct in the country in 1952.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently announced that eight more cheetahs are expected to arrive from Botswana by the end of February. He said discussions have already been held with the Union Environment Minister to ensure smooth coordination and logistical arrangements for the next phase of the reintroduction programme.
Project Cheetah, the world’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation initiative, aims to establish a self-sustaining cheetah population in India while boosting biodiversity, wildlife tourism and ecosystem balance.
