4 Years Of Project Cheetah Kuno Records 52 Survivors, Including 32 Born In India

Four years after its inception, Kuno National Park's cheetah project has successfully recorded a population of 52 cheetahs, including 32 born in India. The park, located in Madhya Pradesh, has faced initial challenges but is now on the right path, according to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Samita Rajora.

In Kuno National Park, 49 cheetahs reside, of which 32 are India-born. Three cheetahs are housed in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. The project's initial introduction of eight Namibian cheetahs in September 2022 resulted in three survivors, with 22 India-born offspring. Subsequently, 12 South African cheetahs introduced in February 2023 led to an 18-member population, including eight survivors and 10 India-born offspring.

The latest addition of nine cheetahs from Botswana on February 28, 2026, has contributed to the current count of 18 cheetahs, comprising nine in Kuno and three in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Of Kuno's 49 cheetahs, 17 are roaming freely in the wild, while 32, including five males, eight females, and 19 cubs under a year old, are in the Soft Release Boma.

Interestingly, some male cheetahs have formed alliances to hunt and protect their territory, often consisting of brothers from the same litter. However, KNG 23, an India-born male, and CCB4, a Botswana male, have developed a strong bond despite not being related. Despite these successes, the project has witnessed 23 cheetah deaths, including adults and cubs, since its inception.