New Delhi: Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park on Monday, taking India’s total cheetah population to 53, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced.
The development comes just days after Gamini the cheetah gave birth to four cubs in the same park.
“A moment of great pride for Project Cheetah as Jwala, a Namibian cheetah and successful third-time mother, gave birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park today. This birth brings the number of thriving cubs born in India to 33, the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil, another important milestone in the journey of Yachetah conservation in India.
The minister said the success reflects the dedicated efforts, skills and determination of the vets, field staff and others involved in the conservation program who continue to work tirelessly on the ground.
“With the arrival of these cubs, the total cheetah population in India now stands at 53. A historic and heart-wrenching moment for wildlife conservation.
“May Jwala and her cubs grow stronger and race forward, taking India’s cheetah story to even greater heights,” he added.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the cheetah population crossing the 50 mark is a proud milestone for wildlife conservation and reflects the success of India’s cheetah reintroduction programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the cheetah translocation initiative by releasing eight cheetahs brought from Namibia into Kuno National Park on 17 September 2022.
The ambitious program is part of India’s wider efforts to restore the cheetah population while promoting wildlife conservation and tourism in the region.
