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India's Cheetah Project Expands with New Arrivals from Africa
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In a significant development for India's wildlife conservation efforts, the first four of eight cheetahs from Botswana are set to arrive in India this May, with the remaining four to follow in a subsequent phase. This announcement came during a high-level review meeting of the Cheetah Project held in Bhopal on Friday, attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forests &amp; Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
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According to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) officials present at the meeting, negotiations are also underway to bring additional cheetahs from South Africa and Kenya. "Consent is being developed on an agreement between India and Kenya," noted a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government, reported IANS.
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The Cheetah Project is set to expand beyond its original site, with two cheetahs&mdash;one male and one female&mdash;scheduled for relocation from Kuno National Park (KNP) to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary on April 20. "Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary offers an ideal environment for cheetahs," explained Chief Minister Yadav, adding that this introduction will "enrich the sanctuary" ecosystem.
Officials highlighted the remarkable success of the project thus far, noting that cheetah cubs born in Madhya Pradesh have demonstrated the world's highest survival rate compared to similar initiatives elsewhere. Currently, Kuno National Park houses 26 cheetahs, with 16 roaming freely in the wild and 10 in rehabilitation enclosures. Female cheetahs Jwala, Asha, Gamini, and Veera have successfully given birth to cubs since the project's inception.
To enhance the conservation initiative's impact and accessibility, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced substantial infrastructure improvements. "The state government is committed to developing Kuno National Park as a model wildlife tourism destination," stated CM Yadav. Plans include constructing an all-season paved road from Gwalior to KNP and establishing a tent city within the forest for tourists, significantly improving visitor access.
Additionally, an international-level veterinary hospital and rescue centre will be established in the Kuno area with central government support. This facility will not only serve the cheetah population but also provide cattle care throughout the surrounding region.
The state's conservation ambitions extend beyond cheetahs, with initiatives underway to protect king cobras, gharials, and rare turtle species. In the initial phase, ten king cobras will be introduced to help balance the population of venomous snakes in Madhya Pradesh's forests.
The government has also sought Supreme Court approval to launch a Cheetah Safari, as such attractions in eco-sensitive zones require judicial permission according to forest officials.
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https://www.ians.in/english-wire-detail/c--20250419085623

Historic Expansion of India's Ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project Continues with Botswana Imports

African Cheetahs to Arrive in India This May

Historic Expansion of India's Ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project Continues with Botswana Imports

April 19, 2025 | 09:23 IST