Bhopal/Sheopur, Nov 20 (NationPress) In a remarkable development for India’s ambitious 'Cheetah Reintroduction (translocation) Project, a female cheetah born in India, named 'Mukhi', has successfully given birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park. This event marks the first successful reproduction of a cheetah born on Indian soil.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav shared this exciting news on X, describing it as 'a historic milestone' and 'an unprecedented breakthrough' for the initiative.

'Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park. The mother and cubs are thriving.' The CM highlighted that at just 33 months of age, Mukhi is now the first India-born cheetah to reproduce.

He also posted a video showcasing the magnificent mother and her cubs.

This landmark event highlights the successful adaptation of cheetahs to Indian environments and indicates promising prospects for a self-sustaining population.

'Mukhi' is a symbol of resilience; she was born in March 2023 to Namibian cheetah Jwala as part of the world’s first inter-continental cheetah translocation project. Mukhi was the sole survivor of a litter of four, with her siblings having succumbed to extreme heat.

After being abandoned by her mother, Mukhi was hand-reared by park officials, showcasing the commitment of conservation teams. The birth of her five cubs—a notably large litter for cheetahs—brings hope for genetic diversity and long-term viability.

'This successful reproduction by an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species’ health and adaptation,' noted CM Yadav, adding that it advances India's conservation goals under the leadership of PM Modi.

Park authorities report that Mukhi and her cubs are being monitored 24/7 through radio collars and camera traps, ensuring both mother and newborns are in excellent health.

Wildlife experts characterize the development as a 'turning point', demonstrating that cheetahs can not only survive but thrive and breed across generations within Indian ecosystems.

Launched on September 17, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Project Cheetah represents the world’s first attempt to reintroduce cheetahs—a species deemed extinct in India as of 1952—through translocation from Africa.

Initial groups included eight cheetahs from Namibia and twelve from South Africa, reviving the Asiatic cheetah’s lineage within its historical range.

Despite facing early challenges, including adult mortalities, the project has seen over two dozen cubs born in India, with survival rates surpassing global averages for the species.

As the cheetah population in Kuno expands to include second-generation individuals, plans are in motion to extend habitats to areas like Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. This significant milestone strengthens India's role as a global leader in ambitious wildlife restoration efforts.