Nine Cheetahs from Botswana Released into Quarantine at Kuno National Park

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on 28 February released nine cheetahs brought from Botswana into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh as part of Project Cheetah.

The cheetahs will undergo acclimatisation and health monitoring before being gradually released into the larger landscape. With this addition, India now hosts 48 cheetahs, including 28 India-born cubs, officials said.

Strengthening Global Collaboration

India had initiated formal talks with Botswana in December 2024 to source more cheetahs under Project Cheetah, aimed at restoring the species in India. Botswana agreed after reviewing India’s detailed action plan for cheetah reintroduction.

On February 27, 2026, the cheetahs were transported from Mokolodi Nature Reserve to Gaborone Airport before their journey to India.

Third International Batch

This marks the third batch of cheetahs brought from Africa:

• Eight cheetahs from Namibia in September 2022, released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Twelve cheetahs from South Africa in February 2023

The initiative represents the world’s first intercontinental translocation of cheetahs.

Population Growth and Expansion

Since September 2022, Kuno has recorded nine cheetah litters, including nine cubs born in February 2026 to two African cheetahs. In a first, Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gave birth to five cubs in November 2025.

Apart from 45 cheetahs at Kuno, three adult cheetahs have been relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur and Neemuch districts.

Significance

Project Cheetah continues to advance with international partnerships, scientific monitoring, and habitat management, aiming to restore ecological balance and reintroduce cheetahs into suitable Indian landscapes.

Sources: PIB & TH