New Delhi, March 9 – The Namibian cheetah, named Jwala, has given birth to five cubs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, bringing India’s total cheetah population to over 50, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Monday.
This is a remarkable success for India's Cheetah Project, as the endangered felines, reintroduced to the country just a few years ago, have seen a consistent and steady increase in numbers.
The Union Minister posted photos of the newborn cubs at Kuno National Park, the site of the first translocation of big cats from African nations under the Cheetah reintroduction program several years ago, and called it "a moment of pride for India's Cheetah Project."
He described it as a historic and heartwarming moment for wildlife conservation, and informed that with the arrival of five new cubs, the total cheetah population in India has now reached 53.
Just days ago, India's ongoing Cheetah Project initiative saw the addition of nine cheetahs from Botswana, who were brought and released into Kuno National Park on March 1 this year.
The nine African cheetahs comprised six females and three males. They were flown from Botswana to India as part of a coordinated international operation. They traveled to India in a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
A significant achievement in India's big cat restoration program is that the number of homegrown cheetahs has exceeded the 30 mark.
Bhupender Yadav informed that with the Namibian cheetah, Jwala, giving birth to five cubs, the number of Indian-born thriving cubs has risen to 33, marking the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil – another important milestone in India's cheetah conservation journey.
"This achievement reflects the dedicated efforts, skills, and commitment of the veterinarians, field staff, and all those involved who continue to work tirelessly on the ground," he further stated.
"May Jwala and her cubs grow strong and thrive, carrying India's cheetah story to even greater heights," he added.
Last month, a Namibian cheetah, named Astha, gave birth to five cubs on February 7 this year, at the Kuno National Park, thereby taking the number of Indian-born surviving cubs to 24.
