Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released two female cheetahs into the wild at Kuno National Park on Monday, June 10, 2024 [1].
The release is a critical step in the state's effort to reintroduce the endangered species and establish a self-sustaining population in India. By increasing the number of free-roaming cats, officials hope to stabilize the ecosystem and ensure the long-term survival of the species within the region.
The two cheetahs, identified as CCV-2 and CCV-3 [1], were released at the banks of the Kuno River in the Sheopur district [1, 4]. These animals were part of a batch brought from Botswana in February 2024 [3, 4]. The release followed the completion of a mandatory quarantine period and a detailed acclimatisation process to prepare the cats for the wild [3].
"Madhya Pradesh is now recognised as a ‘Cheetah State’," Yadav said [1].
The move is part of the broader ‘Project Cheetah’ initiative, which aims to increase cheetah numbers and prepare them for independent living in their natural habitat [2, 4]. Following these releases, the total cheetah tally in Madhya Pradesh has reached 57 [2].
"The move marks another milestone under Madhya Pradesh's ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’," Yadav said [2].
Officials said that the program focuses on expanding wildlife protection beyond tigers to include other critical species [2]. The Botswana-born cheetahs represent a strategic effort to diversify the genetic pool of the population currently residing in the national park [3, 4].
“"Madhya Pradesh is now recognised as a ‘Cheetah State’."”
The introduction of female cheetahs from Botswana is designed to facilitate natural breeding and population growth. By reaching a population of 57, the state is attempting to move beyond the initial introduction phase toward creating a viable, wild-roaming population that can survive without constant human intervention.
