In a major boost to India’s ambitious wildlife conservation initiative, eight more cheetahs will be translocated from Botswana to India in two phases, with the first four expected to arrive by May 2025. The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project held in Bhopal on Friday, attended by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The update, shared by officials from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), highlights India’s continued commitment to restoring the world’s fastest land animal to its natural habitat after being declared extinct in the country in 1952.
More African Cheetahs Set to Roam Indian Grasslands
According to the NTCA, after the first batch of four cheetahs from Botswana arrives by May, another four will follow soon after. The release also confirmed that India is actively working on formal agreements with South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya to streamline future translocations.
“Efforts are underway to bring more cheetahs from South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya. Eight cheetahs will be brought to India in two phases,” NTCA officials stated during the review.
Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to Become Next Cheetah Haven
In a strategic move to expand the range and ensure ecological diversity, cheetahs will soon be relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary on the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border. An in-principle agreement has already been reached between both states to develop this inter-state conservation zone.
Special training is also underway for “Cheetah Mitras” — community volunteers responsible for monitoring and supporting conservation efforts — at Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to enhance local capacity.
Project Cheetah: Progress So Far
The NTCA also revealed that over ₹112 crore has been invested in the Project Cheetah initiative across India so far, with 67% allocated to cheetah rehabilitation in Madhya Pradesh alone.
The Kuno National Park now houses 26 cheetahs, including 14 India-born cubs, a milestone that showcases the early success of the reintroduction efforts. Of the 26, 16 roam freely in the open forest, while 10 remain within enclosures for health monitoring and adaptation.
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Authorities use satellite collar IDs for 24-hour tracking to ensure the health and safety of these magnificent cats. Female cheetahs Jwala, Asha, Gamini, and Veera have successfully given birth to cubs, reflecting the growing adaptability of the species to Indian landscapes.
Cheetah Safari in Kuno: Awaiting Supreme Court Nod
The Madhya Pradesh government has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking approval to start an organized cheetah safari in Kuno National Park. If approved, the move is expected to further boost eco-tourism in the region, which has already seen tourist numbers double in the past two years.
India’s ambitious cheetah rewilding journey began on September 17, 2022, when eight cheetahs from Namibia (five females and three males) were first released into KNP, marking the world’s first intercontinental translocation of cheetahs.
The project gained more momentum in February 2023, when 12 more cheetahs arrived from South Africa, strengthening India’s efforts to re-establish the species in the wild.
As the preparations continue to welcome eight more cheetahs from Botswana, the project reflects India’s long-term commitment to restoring its biodiversity and advancing global conservation partnerships.
