Have Five Cheetah Cubs Been Born in MP's Kuno National Park?
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Synopsis
A groundbreaking achievement has occurred in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, with the birth of five cheetah cubs by a five-year-old female named Nirva. This significant milestone not only boosts the local cheetah population but also represents a crucial step in global conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Nirva has given birth to five cubs.
- The cheetah population in KNP has risen to 29.
- This event marks a significant milestone in India's biodiversity efforts.
- The cheetah reintroduction project began with animals brought from Namibia and South Africa.
- Conservation efforts are crucial for restoring India's natural heritage.
Bhopal, April 28 (NationPress) In a significant global initiative aimed at conserving the endangered cheetah, an exciting development has occurred in Madhya Pradesh’s (MP) Kuno National Park (KNP) located in Sheopur district. Nirva, a five-year-old female cheetah, has given birth to five cubs, marking a pivotal achievement in the ongoing translocation endeavor.
Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, announced this remarkable news on his X platform, saying, "Once more, Kuno National Park has provided us with fantastic news. Nirva, a five-year-old female cheetah, has welcomed five healthy cubs, elevating the total number of cheetahs in the state to 31."
He commended the commitment of the Kuno National Park team and credited this success to India’s efforts in biodiversity conservation under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav also expressed his joy about the event, sharing the update on X as well.
Earlier this month, two cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, were moved to Gandhisagar in Mandsaur as part of an intra-regional translocation strategy, reducing the cheetah count in KNP to 24. However, with the birth of these five cubs, the KNP cheetah population has now increased to 29.
India’s native Asiatic cheetah went extinct in the mid-20th century, leaving its survival confined to a critically endangered population in Iran. To reintroduce cheetahs into Indian wildlife, eight Southeast African cheetahs—a non-native subspecies—were transported from Namibia in September 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released them into enclosures at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. This historic event marked the cheetah's return to India. Following that, in February 2023, twelve additional cheetahs were imported from South Africa.
The initiative to reintroduce cheetahs in India has roots extending back to the mid-20th century. Although proposals were made to Iran in the 1970s and to Kenya in the 1980s, they encountered limited success. By 2012, India’s Supreme Court had initially ruled such translocation projects illegal, citing concerns over introducing a new species rather than restoring a native one. Nonetheless, recent advancements have rejuvenated this ambitious endeavor, yielding promising outcomes.
Point of View
The birth of these cheetah cubs in Kuno National Park is a pivotal moment for wildlife conservation in India. It highlights the country's commitment to restoring its natural heritage and protecting endangered species, a mission that is increasingly important in today's ecological landscape.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kuno National Park known for?
Kuno National Park is known for its biodiversity and as a key site for the reintroduction of the cheetah in India.
How many cheetahs are currently in Kuno National Park?
As of now, the cheetah population in Kuno National Park stands at 29, following the birth of five new cubs.
When were cheetahs first reintroduced to Kuno National Park?
Cheetahs were first reintroduced to Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi released them.
Why were cheetahs reintroduced in India?
Cheetahs were reintroduced in India to restore the species that went extinct in the mid-20th century and to enhance biodiversity.
What challenges have faced cheetah reintroduction efforts?
Challenges include legal restrictions, ecological concerns, and ensuring the stability of both the cheetah population and its habitat.
