The journey has not been without setbacks. Since the program’s start, 21 cheetahs – nine adults and 12 cubs – have died at Kuno due to various causes, including health complications from the translocation stress and environmental factors.
Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is set to welcome eight cheetahs from Botswana on February 28, 2026. In the meanwhile, recent births have already elevated the country’s cheetah count to 38. This development marks a pivotal moment for Project Cheetah, the world’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore, aimed at reviving a species declared extinct in India in 1952. The initiative, launched with great fanfare, continues to navigate challenges but shows promising signs of success through international collaborations and natural breeding.
Donated by Botswana during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit in November 2025, these animals represent the third African nation to contribute to the project, following Namibia and South Africa. Project Cheetah, spearheaded by the union government, seeks not only to restore ecological balance but also to foster biodiversity in India’s grasslands, where cheetahs once roamed freely before being hunted to extinction.
Eight Cheetahs En Route from Botswana
On February 28, 2026, an Indian Air Force cargo plane will transport the eight cheetahs – comprising six males and two females – from Botswana to Gwalior Air Base. From there, helicopters will ferry them to Kuno National Park, where they will enter a mandatory 30-day quarantine. Veterinarians and trained staff will closely monitor their health and adaptation during this period, ensuring a smooth transition to their new habitat.
These cheetahs have been in quarantine at Botswana’s Mokolodi Nature Reserve since their symbolic handover, part of a mutual wildlife conservation agreement between the two nations. The translocation is a testament to diplomatic efforts in conservation, with Botswana joining Namibia and South Africa in supplying animals to bolster genetic diversity in India’s cheetah population. Preparations at Kuno are complete, including specialized enclosures designed to mimic the cheetahs’ natural savanna environment.
This influx will push India’s total cheetah numbers beyond 46, including the existing 38 at Kuno and three adults relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur and Neemuch districts. The strategic distribution aims to prevent overcrowding and promote sustainable growth across multiple sites.
Gamini’s Cubs and a Surge in Births
February 2026 has seen new births of cheetah cubs in Kuno, with eight cubs born in total, including a litter of three from South African cheetah Gamini. Announced by union environment minister Bhupender Yadav, Gamini’s delivery around February 25 marks her second successful litter, highlighting the program’s progress in natural reproduction.
Gamini, one of the cheetahs translocated from South Africa, has become a symbol of hope for the project. Her cubs, born healthy, contribute to the 27 surviving India-born cheetah cubs recorded so far. This is the ninth successful litter in India since the project’s inception, demonstrating that the cheetahs are adapting well to their new surroundings despite initial hurdles.
The births come at a crucial time, offsetting some of the losses experienced earlier. With these additions, India’s cheetah population stands at 38, comprising 11 translocated adults and the growing number of cubs. Conservationists attribute this success to improved management practices, including better veterinary care and habitat enrichment, which have helped the animals thrive.
Project Cheetah: Overcoming Challenges
Launched in September 2022, Project Cheetah began with the release of the first eight cheetahs from Namibia by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kuno National Park on his birthday. In total, 20 cheetahs were imported from Namibia and South Africa during 2022-23, kickstarting the reintroduction effort.
However, the journey has not been without setbacks. Since the program’s start, 21 cheetahs – nine adults and 12 cubs – have died at Kuno due to various causes, including health complications from the translocation stress and environmental factors. Early challenges included adapting the African cheetahs to India’s monsoon climate, which differs from their native arid habitats, leading to issues like septicemia in some cases.
Despite these obstacles, the project has evolved. Enhanced protocols, experienced staff, and international expertise have turned the tide. The current population’s stability, with a mix of adults and cubs, indicates that the cheetahs are establishing a viable breeding population. The relocation of three adults to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is part of a broader strategy to expand the program’s footprint, reducing risks associated with concentrating all animals in one location.
Ecologically, cheetahs play a vital role as apex predators, controlling herbivore populations and maintaining grassland health. Their reintroduction aligns with India’s commitments under global biodiversity frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Expanding Conservation Efforts
The arrival of the Botswana cheetahs opens new avenues for genetic diversity, crucial for long-term sustainability. Plans include potential releases into the wild once the animals acclimatize, with monitoring via radio collars to track their movements and interactions.
Experts emphasize the need for community involvement and habitat protection to ensure the project’s success. Local communities around Kuno have been engaged through awareness programs, highlighting the economic benefits of eco-tourism that cheetahs could bring.
