Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two female cheetahs from Botswana into the open forest of Kuno National Park on May 11, 2024 [1].
This event marks a critical step in India's broader cheetah conservation project. The initiative seeks to re-establish a wild cheetah population in the country after the species was declared extinct in India decades ago [1], [2].
The release took place in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh. The two female cheetahs were transported from Botswana to integrate into the wild environment of Kuno National Park [1]. Following the release, the Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Department said that the total cheetah tally in the state has now reached 57 [3].
“This is a historic achievement for Madhya Pradesh and a gift made possible through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Yadav said [1].
The Chief Minister highlighted the symbolic importance of the project for the region. He said that the state is now positioned as a leader in wildlife restoration, a move he believes elevates the profile of the state's conservation efforts [1].
“Madhya Pradesh is now recognised as the ‘Cheetah State’,” Yadav said [1].
The project involves careful monitoring of the animals as they adapt to the Indian landscape. The introduction of females is specifically intended to support breeding, and long-term population sustainability in the wild [1], [2].
““Madhya Pradesh is now recognised as the ‘Cheetah State’,””
The reintroduction of cheetahs into Kuno National Park represents one of the most ambitious wildlife translocation projects globally. By increasing the population to 57 animals, India is attempting to move from a phase of mere introduction to a phase of sustainable breeding. The success of this project depends on the animals' ability to hunt and reproduce in the wild without constant human intervention.
