Two Botswana cheetahs released into Kuno National Park as India’s cheetah population rises to 57

Two female cheetahs brought from Botswana were released into the open forest area of Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park on Monday as part of Project Cheetah. The release took place after the animals completed their quarantine and acclimatisation period inside controlled enclosures. Officials said the move has increased India’s total cheetah population to 57, including 54 in Kuno National Park and three in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released the cheetahs during his visit to Kuno National Park in Sheopur district. The animals were released near the Kuno River before moving into the open forest area. Officials stated that the cheetahs had been kept under observation since arriving in India earlier this year to help them adapt to local climatic and ecological conditions before entering the wild.

According to officials, a total of nine cheetahs — six females and three males — were brought from Botswana during the latest phase of Project Cheetah. Wildlife experts said the Botswana cheetahs are important for increasing genetic diversity within the growing cheetah population in India. They believe the wider gene pool could help create a healthier and more sustainable breeding population inside Kuno and future cheetah habitats.

The cheetah reintroduction programme in India began on September 17, 2022, when eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia. In 2023, 12 additional cheetahs were brought from South Africa. Officials said the project aims to gradually establish a self-sustaining cheetah population capable of moving freely and hunting in the wild across multiple protected landscapes.

Authorities said the Madhya Pradesh government is also expanding the project beyond Kuno National Park. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is being developed as the second cheetah habitat, while Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is planned as another future landscape for the species. Officials added that preparations are underway for the eventual relocation of some cheetahs to these sanctuaries after required monitoring and acclimatisation procedures are completed.