Bhopal, Feb 28 (NationPress) As part of the government's ambitious 'Project Cheetah' reintroduction initiative, India successfully imported nine additional cheetahs from Botswana, which were subsequently released into Kuno National Park located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh.

This latest addition brings the total cheetah population in Kuno to 48, which includes 28 cubs born in India. This increase highlights the significance of local breeding in ensuring the project's long-term viability.

Initially, it was expected that only eight cheetahs would be included in this third batch; however, nine were transported instead. Notably, six of these nine cheetahs are females, marking the highest proportion of females in any released group to date.

The first batch, which arrived on September 17, 2022, included eight cheetahs from Namibia, comprising five females and three males. The second batch, received on February 18, 2023, brought in 12 cheetahs from South Africa, consisting of seven males and five females.

In total, 29 cheetahs have now been brought to India over three batches—16 of which are females and 13 are males.

Officials emphasized that the increasing number of India-born cubs is vital for the success of the program, as these cheetahs are adapting well to their surroundings. Some of the mature cheetahs are anticipated to be relocated to Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, which will serve as the third habitat for this species in Madhya Pradesh, alongside Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Alok Kumar, the former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of the Forest Force in Madhya Pradesh, shared with IANS that the project is progressing positively.

He stated that the survival of cubs born in India is essential for reaching the goals of Project Cheetah. “We hold great expectations for these Indian-born cubs, as they are growing in their natural habitat, unlike those brought in from abroad who must adjust to a new environment,” he explained.

Kumar also pointed out that cheetahs need a robust prey base and are typically less aggressive than other large cats. “Cheetahs tend to evade conflict, whereas tigers are territorial apex predators. Thus, local community awareness and acceptance are crucial for the project's success,” he mentioned.

He suggested that continued awareness campaigns in the villages surrounding Kuno and other prospective habitats are necessary to educate residents about cheetah behavior.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav welcomed the new arrivals, asserting that Madhya Pradesh is diligently fulfilling its responsibilities under Project Cheetah. He emphasized that this initiative aims to establish a viable cheetah population in India and restore ecological equilibrium.