Project Cheetah is India’s landmark wildlife conservation mission to reintroduce the cheetah — the fastest land animal — after it vanished from the country over 70 years ago.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 September 2022 at Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh), the project aims to restore India’s lost predator, revive grassland ecosystems, and promote sustainable eco-tourism.
Key Highlights
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Reintroduction Goal: Establish a sustainable population of cheetahs in India’s wild.
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First Phase: 8 cheetahs from Namibia arrived in 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in 2023.
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Historic Birth: In 2023, a Namibian female gave birth to 4 cubs, marking India’s first wild cheetah birth in decades.
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Expansion: New habitats like Gandhi Sagar, Nauradehi, and Banni Grasslands are being prepared.
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Next Steps: India plans to receive more cheetahs from Kenya and Botswana to improve genetic diversity.
๐️ Project Cheetah Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1952 | Cheetahs officially declared extinct in India. |
| 2020 | Supreme Court approves cheetah reintroduction pilot. |
| July 2022 | India signs MoU with Namibia for first translocation. |
| 17 Sept 2022 | 8 cheetahs released at Kuno National Park by PM Modi. |
| Feb 2023 | 12 cheetahs from South Africa join the project. |
| May 2023 | First wild cheetah cubs born in India after 70+ years. |
| 2024–2025 | Expansion planned to Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi sanctuaries. |
Successes & Challenges
✔ What’s Working
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Cheetahs adapting to Indian conditions.
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Birth of cubs shows promising progress.
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Local communities trained as trackers and guides.
⚠ Challenges
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Heat stress and limited space at Kuno.
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Some cheetah deaths due to adaptation and enclosure issues.
Need for faster expansion to secondary sites.
Why It Matters
Project Cheetah represents India’s first intercontinental species reintroduction, blending science, conservation, and collaboration. It’s helping restore grasslands, raise conservation awareness, and promote eco-tourism — making it a symbol of India’s renewed wildlife vision.
FAQs About Project Cheetah
1. How many cheetahs are currently in India?
As of 2025, around 20 cheetahs (including cubs) live within Kuno and other managed enclosures.
2. Why did cheetahs go extinct in India?
Cheetahs disappeared due to overhunting, habitat loss, and decline in prey species during the early 20th century.
3. Why was Kuno National Park chosen?
Kuno offers ideal grassland habitat, low human disturbance, and a balanced prey population — perfect for cheetah adaptation.
4. Are more cheetahs coming to India?
Yes. India is in talks with Kenya and Botswana for future translocations to boost genetic diversity.
5. Will cheetahs be released into the wild soon?
Some cheetahs are already in soft-release zones. Wider wild release will depend on health, adaptation, and prey base assessments.
Conclusion
Project Cheetah is more than a wildlife reintroduction — it’s a symbol of ecological revival and global collaboration. While challenges remain, the successful adaptation and cub births mark hopeful progress. With ongoing efforts to expand habitats and ensure sustainable coexistence, India is scripting a new chapter in wildlife conservation. The return of the cheetah isn’t just a milestone — it’s a message of resilience, restoration, and hope for generations to come.
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