Nine Cheetahs from Botswana Released into Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh
Synopsis
On February 28, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav released nine cheetahs into Kuno National Park, elevating India's cheetah population to 48. The release is part of a bold initiative to reestablish a genetically diverse cheetah community in the country.
Key Takeaways
Nine cheetahs released in Kuno National Park.
Transported from Botswana via Indian Air Force.
Now a total of 48 cheetahs in India.
Quarantine enclosures prepared for a smooth transition.
Monitoring of health and adaptation during quarantine.
Sheopur, Feb 28 (NationPress) On Saturday, Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment and Forest, facilitated the release of nine cheetahs into Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh.
This latest group consists of six males and three females, transported from Botswana via an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft to Gwalior airport after an extensive journey lasting over ten hours. They were subsequently flown to Sheopur in two helicopters.
Initially, it was reported that only eight cheetahs would arrive from Botswana, but the final count turned out to be nine, all of whom were released at the Kuno National Park. For the time being, these cheetahs are housed in quarantine enclosures.
The introduction of these nine new big cats is a significant step in the Centre's ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme, which now boosts India's total cheetah population to 48, including 28 cubs born at the park since the first group was released on September 17, 2022.
Officials informed IANS that several quarantine enclosures have been established at the park to facilitate a stress-free transition for the animals. According to the established protocol, the cheetahs will remain in spacious, fenced enclosures for approximately one month.
This marks the third batch of African cheetahs brought to India as part of the translocation initiative, following previous introductions from Namibia in September 2022 and South Africa in February 2023.
The recent transfer from Botswana is part of a government-to-government agreement aimed at creating a genetically diverse, free-ranging cheetah population in India over the next decade.
During the quarantine phase, which is expected to last between 15 to 30 days, wildlife veterinarians and forest officials will closely monitor their feeding habits, movement, adaptation to local conditions, and any signs of stress or illness.
Routine assessments of blood samples and health indicators will be conducted. Additionally, the cheetahs will soon receive GPS satellite collars for real-time tracking once they are eventually released into larger soft-release areas.
Importantly, since the beginning of 2023, Kuno has welcomed 30 cubs, with 28 surviving. This year alone saw the birth of nine cubs across two litters between February 7 and February 18, all of which have thrived so far.
Point of View
The release of nine cheetahs into Kuno National Park underscores India's commitment to wildlife conservation. This initiative not only revitalizes the cheetah population but also enhances ecological balance in the region. The government's strategic planning and international collaboration reflect a serious effort to restore this iconic species.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cheetahs were released?
A total of nine cheetahs were released into Kuno National Park.
Where were the cheetahs transported from?
The cheetahs were transported from Botswana.
What is the purpose of the quarantine period?
The quarantine period allows for monitoring of the cheetahs' health, feeding patterns, and adaptation to their new environment.
How many cheetahs are currently in India?
With the latest release, India's cheetah population now stands at 48.
What is the significance of this reintroduction programme?
This programme aims to establish a genetically diverse, free-ranging population of cheetahs in India.
