Cheetah Reintroduction Project – Chronological Notes

Background

• 1952: Asiatic cheetahs became extinct in India.
• 2009: Project Kuno selection began; cheetah experts met in Gajner, Rajasthan to plan reintroduction.
• 2022–2023: Project Cheetah – world’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore. 20 cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa to India.

Timeline of Key Events

1. September 17, 2022:
   • First batch: 8 cheetahs from Namibia released at Kuno National Park (KNP) by PM Narendra Modi.
2. February 2023:
   • Second batch: 12 cheetahs from South Africa released at Kuno.
3. 2025 – Third Year of Project
   • Cubs born at Kuno: 12 (3 died).
   • Deaths during the year: 6 cheetahs (including one Namibian adult and two sub-adults).
   • Population at year-end 2025:30 cheetahs
     • India-born cubs: 19
     • Adults (translocated): 11
   • Enclosures: 27 cheetahs at Kuno, 3 at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
   • Future plan: Third home at Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagar district.
4. March 29, 2023:
   • Cheetah Mukhi, India-born (mother: Namibian Jwala), survives extreme heat that killed 3 siblings.
5. September 29, 2025:
   • Mukhi, India-born, reaches adulthood (915 days / 30 months), ready for breeding.
6. February 2026:
   • South African female Gamini gives birth to 3 cubs at Kuno (ninth successful litter).
   • Namibian female Aasha gives birth to 5 cubs earlier in the same month.
   • India-born Mukhi gives birth to 5 cubs, total cheetah population rises to 32.
7. February 28, 2026:
   • Third batch from Africa: 9 cheetahs from Botswana (6 females, 3 males) released at Kuno.
   • Impact:
     • Total cheetah population in India: 48
     • Kuno: 45 cheetahs
     • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: 3 adults
     • India-born cubs: 28
     • Translocated adults from Africa: 20

Cheetah Population Summary (2022–2026)

Project Highlights

• Marks world’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore.
• Significant milestones:
  • First India-born cheetahs reaching adulthood and contributing to breeding.
  • Third batch of cheetahs from Botswana increases genetic diversity.
• Conservation impact:
  • Total cheetahs in India now 48, including 28 India-born cubs.
  • Enhances population viability and restores big carnivore presence after decades.

Quick Revision Pointers

Cheetah

Translocation Details

• 2022 – 8 cheetahs from Namibia
• 2023 – 12 cheetahs from South Africa
• 2026 – 9 cheetahs from Botswana (by 2026 – PIB)

Population Status (as noted)

• Kuno – 45
• Gandhi Sagar – 3
• 28 cheetahs born in India by Feb 2026
• 1st Indian-born cub – Mukhi (in Kuno National Park)
• Total died by Feb 2026 – 21
  (9 translocated + 12 Indian-born)
• Future Plan – Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary

Cheetah Classification (Age-wise)

• Cubs – 0–18 months
• Adolescents – 18–24 months
• Adults – 24 months+
• Average lifespan – 10–12 years
• Speed – 110 km/h

Reproductive Details

• Birth interval – 15–19 months
• Oestrous cycle – 12–14 days
• Gestation period – 90–95 days
• Average litter size – 1–6 cubs