In a significant achievement in a cross-continent cheetah restoration project, Indian-born cheetah ‘Mukhi’ gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Marking the greatest milestone, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced it on social media, indicating that both the mother and her cubs are healthy and doing well.&nbsp;"A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for India’s cheetah reintroduction initiative. Mukhi, the first Indian-born female cheetah at 33 months of age, has now become the first India-born cheetah to reproduce, making it a landmark achievement for Project Cheetah," he added.&nbsp;"The successful reproduction of an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species’ adaptation, health, and long-term prospects in Indian habitats. This significant step forward strengthens optimism about establishing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in India, further advancing the nation’s conservation goals," CM Mohan Yadav also said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for India’s cheetah reintroduction initiative. Mukhi, the first… <a href="https://t.co/uSxZpVqnV4">pic.twitter.com/uSxZpVqnV4</a>&mdash; Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1991364702283407611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Born at Kuno National Park, the 33-month-old ‘Mukhi’ is the first Indian-born female cheetah to reproduce, setting a new precedent for Project Cheetah. The significant achievements indicate that cheetahs born in India are adapting well and also highlight the long-term sustainability of cheetah populations in Indian habitats, based on the India Today report.&nbsp;Mukhi's successful reproduction shows the strong health and adaptation of the species and reinforces confidence in the efforts to build a genetically diverse, self-sustaining cheetah population in India.<h3>What is Project Cheetah?</h3>Launched in September 2022, Project Cheetah seeks to bring back the cheetahs, extinct in India for decades, through relocation from Namibia and South Africa. While the project has faced setbacks, including the deaths of nine adult imports and ten cubs, Kuno’s cub survival rate stands at over 61 per cent, significantly higher than the global average of 40 per cent. This highlights effective project management and the suitability of Kuno National Park’s habitat.&nbsp;Mukhi’s five new cubs add momentum to the initiative, supporting long-term population expansion. Plans are also underway to bring in more cheetahs from countries such as Botswana and Namibia to further strengthen genetic diversity.&nbsp;

Mukhi's successful reproduction shows the strong health and adaptation of the species and reinforces confidence in the efforts to build a genetically diverse, self-sustaining cheetah population in India.

In a significant achievement in a cross-continent cheetah restoration project, Indian-born cheetah ‘Mukhi’ gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Marking the greatest milestone, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced it on social media, indicating that both the mother and her cubs are healthy and doing well. "A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for India’s cheetah reintroduction initiative. Mukhi, the first Indian-born female cheetah at 33 months of age, has now become the first India-born cheetah to reproduce, making it a landmark achievement for Project Cheetah," he added. "The successful reproduction of an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species’ adaptation, health, and long-term prospects in Indian habitats. This significant step forward strengthens optimism about establishing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in India, further advancing the nation’s conservation goals," CM Mohan Yadav also said.

Mukhi's successful reproduction shows the strong health and adaptation of the species and reinforces confidence in the efforts to build a genetically diverse, self-sustaining cheetah population in India.

WATCH: India’s first home-born cheetah mom! Mukhi gives birth to 5 cubs at Kuno National Park in MP

A Namibian Cheetah gave birth to three cubs in India's Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday (Jan 23).

"Kuno's new cubs! A Namibian cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs," Yadav wrote on X.

"Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. May Bharat's wildlife thrive," he further said.&nbsp;

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Kuno’s new cubs! 
 
Namibian Cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian Cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs. 
 
Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. 
 
May Bharat’s wildlife thrive… <a href="https://t.co/aasusRiXtG">pic.twitter.com/aasusRiXtG</a>
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/byadavbjp/status/1749618790542053640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This comes weeks after three cubs were born to another cub named Aasha at the Kuno National Park, the officials said.

In March 2023, Jwala (Namibian name Siyaya) also gave birth to four cubs but only one of them survived.

Jwala and Aasha, among other cheetahs, were brought to India from Namibia under PM Modi's Project Cheetah aimed at re-introducing the species that was declared extinct in India in the year 1952.

The very first batch of cheetahs, which comprised eight felines, were translocated to India in September 2022. The second batch consisting of 12 cheetahs was transported from South Africa last February.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-prime-minister-narendra-modi-pays-floral-tribute-to-netaji-subhas-chandra-bose-682822">India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose</a>

The cheetah conservation project, however, has been heavily critiqued over the deaths of seven of the 20 adults imported from Namibia and South Africa.

Recently on Jan 16, a cheetah named Shaurya passed away at the Kuno National Park.

The additional chief conservator of forest and the director of the Lion Project at Kuno said that the feline showed signs of incoordination and a staggering gait after which it was taken for medical examination.

WATCH | India: Namibian Cheetah Shaurya dies at Kuno National Park

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"After observing these signs, the cheetah was tranquillised and a weakness was determined during a medical examination. Despite reviving the cheetah through medical intervention, it developed some post-revival complications that eventually resulted in its demise. The animal failed to respond to CPR efforts," the APCCF and the director of Lion Project was quoted as saying in the statement.

The officials elucidating on the challenges they faced in the first year of managing the cheetahs, said that the felines developed unprecedented winter furs during the Indian summer and monsoon season (June to September) in anticipation of the African winter, which further caused discomfort in animals

Some of them developed cuts and rashes as the humidity in the weather prompted them to scratch their necks on tree trunks further leading to bacterial infections and septicemia, which claimed the lives of the three cheetahs, said an official.

"The mortalities under Project Cheetah so far have been within the expected limits. As per the Cheetah Action Plan, we anticipated approximately 50 per cent mortality. Right now, 14 imported cheetahs are surviving, besides one cub born on Indian soil," SP Yadav, additional director general of forests in the Union Environment Ministry, had said earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Namibian Cheetah gave birth to three cubs in India's Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday (Jan 23). "Kuno's new cubs! A Namibian cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs.

A Namibian Cheetah gave birth to three cubs in India's Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday (Jan 23). "Kuno's new cubs! A Namibian cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs," Yadav wrote on X. "Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. May Bharat's wildlife thrive," he further said. Kuno’s new cubs! Namibian Cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian Cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs. Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. May Bharat’s wildlife thrive… pic.twitter.com/aasusRiXtG — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 23, 2024 × This comes weeks after three cubs were born to another cub named Aasha at the Kuno National Park, the officials said. In March 2023, Jwala (Namibian name Siyaya) also gave birth to four cubs but only one of them survived. Jwala and Aasha, among other cheetahs, were brought to India from Namibia under PM Modi's Project Cheetah aimed at re-introducing the species that was declared extinct in India in the year 1952. The very first batch of cheetahs, which comprised eight felines, were translocated to India in September 2022. The second batch consisting of 12 cheetahs was transported from South Africa last February. Also read: India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose The cheetah conservation project, however, has been heavily critiqued over the deaths of seven of the 20 adults imported from Namibia and South Africa. Recently on Jan 16, a cheetah named Shaurya passed away at the Kuno National Park. The additional chief conservator of forest and the director of the Lion Project at Kuno said that the feline showed signs of incoordination and a staggering gait after which it was taken for medical examination. WATCH | India: Namibian Cheetah Shaurya dies at Kuno National Park × "After observing these signs, the cheetah was tranquillised and a weakness was determined during a medical examination. Despite reviving the cheetah through medical intervention, it developed some post-revival complications that eventually resulted in its demise. The animal failed to respond to CPR efforts," the APCCF and the director of Lion Project was quoted as saying in the statement. The officials elucidating on the challenges they faced in the first year of managing the cheetahs, said that the felines developed unprecedented winter furs during the Indian summer and monsoon season (June to September) in anticipation of the African winter, which further caused discomfort in animals Some of them developed cuts and rashes as the humidity in the weather prompted them to scratch their necks on tree trunks further leading to bacterial infections and septicemia, which claimed the lives of the three cheetahs, said an official. "The mortalities under Project Cheetah so far have been within the expected limits. As per the Cheetah Action Plan, we anticipated approximately 50 per cent mortality. Right now, 14 imported cheetahs are surviving, besides one cub born on Indian soil," SP Yadav, additional director general of forests in the Union Environment Ministry, had said earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Namibian cheetah Jwala gives birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park

In a concerning development, another cheetah named Shaurya has died in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, marking the 10th fatality since the cheetah reintroduction project commenced in 2022.

The Namibian cheetah's death&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;(Jan&nbsp;16), adds to the alarming count of seven adults and three cubs lost at the national park, primarily due to various infections.

Shaurya's demise occurred around 3:17 pm, and the cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examination, according to an official statement by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Director of the Lion Project.

The tracking team noticed incoordination and a staggering gait around 11 am, prompting the cheetah's tranquilisation. Although initially revived, complications arose post-revival, leading to a failed response to CPR.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-oldest-tigress-who-brought-back-sariska-reserve-to-life-dies-aged-19-679699">Also read |&nbsp;India’s oldest tigress, Rajmata, credited with reviving Sariska reserve, passes away at 19</a>

<h2>Previous cheetah deaths and causes</h2>

The last recorded cheetah death in Kuno National Park was reported on August 2, 2023. Infections caused by insects during the monsoon season were cited by the government as the primary cause for the previous two deaths.

The fatalities have raised concerns and even reached the Supreme Court, which, in the previous year, expressed no reason to question the central government's cheetah reintroduction efforts.

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952. The ambitious reintroduction project began in 2022, bringing 20 adult cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa in two batches.

Also watch |&nbsp;India: Last 2 Kuno cheetahs die of infection caused by insects in monsoon

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the project on September 17, 2023, releasing a group of cheetahs into an enclosure in Kuno National Park. Despite the birth of four cubs in the park, the high mortality rate, with three cubs and six adults dying&nbsp;within five months until August 2023, raised significant concerns over Project Cheetah.

The Supreme Court, addressing the issue of multiple cheetah deaths, affirmed that there was no basis to question the central government's reintroduction efforts.

Despite the setbacks, Project Cheetah's head, SP Yadav, shared plans to import another batch of cheetahs from South Africa for introduction in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a concerning development, another cheetah named Shaurya has died in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, marking the 10th fatality since the cheetah reintroduction project commenced in 2022.

In a concerning development, another cheetah named Shaurya has died in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, marking the 10th fatality since the cheetah reintroduction project commenced in 2022. The Namibian cheetah's death on Tuesday (Jan 16), adds to the alarming count of seven adults and three cubs lost at the national park, primarily due to various infections. Shaurya's demise occurred around 3:17 pm, and the cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examination, according to an official statement by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Director of the Lion Project. The tracking team noticed incoordination and a staggering gait around 11 am, prompting the cheetah's tranquilisation. Although initially revived, complications arose post-revival, leading to a failed response to CPR. Also read | India’s oldest tigress, Rajmata, credited with reviving Sariska reserve, passes away at 19 Previous cheetah deaths and causes The last recorded cheetah death in Kuno National Park was reported on August 2, 2023. Infections caused by insects during the monsoon season were cited by the government as the primary cause for the previous two deaths. The fatalities have raised concerns and even reached the Supreme Court, which, in the previous year, expressed no reason to question the central government's cheetah reintroduction efforts. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952. The ambitious reintroduction project began in 2022, bringing 20 adult cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa in two batches. Also watch | India: Last 2 Kuno cheetahs die of infection caused by insects in monsoon Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the project on September 17, 2023, releasing a group of cheetahs into an enclosure in Kuno National Park. Despite the birth of four cubs in the park, the high mortality rate, with three cubs and six adults dying within five months until August 2023, raised significant concerns over Project Cheetah. The Supreme Court, addressing the issue of multiple cheetah deaths, affirmed that there was no basis to question the central government's reintroduction efforts. Despite the setbacks, Project Cheetah's head, SP Yadav, shared plans to import another batch of cheetahs from South Africa for introduction in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 10th cheetah from Namibia dies in Kuno National Park, sparks concerns on reintroduction project

Officials on Wednesday said that India&nbsp;is now considering importing&nbsp;cheetahs from northern Africa instead of Namibia and South Africa.&nbsp;This is because, even though the cheetahs imported from the two countries were under constant monitoring, nine of them died due to several reasons, including developing winter coats.&nbsp;

News agency PTI cited officials saying that&nbsp;one of the biggest challenges they faced in the first year of managing cheetahs from the two countries was the "unexpected" development of winter coats by some big cats during the Indian summer and monsoon, which is the time of African winter (June to September). The senior official added that even the African experts did not expect it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Project Cheetah completes 1 year: Events &amp; activities planned to mark milestone

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The Winter coats caused problems when combined with high humidity and temperatures. It caused itching, prompting the big cats to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground. This led to bruises and exposed skin where flies laid eggs, resulting in maggot infections, septicemia and other bacterial infections that led to the deaths.

Countries including the UK and the US, have imported cheetahs from northern Africa and recommended the same to India, the official said.

Primarily, cheetahs were found in parts of northern Africa but the population declined in the region and they are now considered extinct or nearly extinct in many northern African countries.

However, the upcoming batch will be imported from South Africa. SP Yadav, the head of Project Cheetah and Additional Director General (Forests) said, "The idea that we may have cheetahs from northern Africa in the future has been discussed but the next batch will come from South Africa. " He added that India now plans to import big cats that do not develop thicker winter coats.

A total of 20 cheetahs were imported from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno in two batches - one in September 2022 and the second in February 2023. Six of these adult big cats died due to various reasons while three cubs of the female Namibian cheetah died due to extreme heat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials on Wednesday said that India is now considering importing cheetahs from northern Africa instead of Namibia and South Africa. This is because, even though the cheetahs imported from the two countries were under constant monitoring, nine of them died due to several reasons, including developing winter coats.

Officials on Wednesday said that India is now considering importing cheetahs from northern Africa instead of Namibia and South Africa. This is because, even though the cheetahs imported from the two countries were under constant monitoring, nine of them died due to several reasons, including developing winter coats. News agency PTI cited officials saying that one of the biggest challenges they faced in the first year of managing cheetahs from the two countries was the "unexpected" development of winter coats by some big cats during the Indian summer and monsoon, which is the time of African winter (June to September). The senior official added that even the African experts did not expect it. Watch | Project Cheetah completes 1 year: Events & activities planned to mark milestone The Winter coats caused problems when combined with high humidity and temperatures. It caused itching, prompting the big cats to scratch their necks on tree trunks or the ground. This led to bruises and exposed skin where flies laid eggs, resulting in maggot infections, septicemia and other bacterial infections that led to the deaths. Countries including the UK and the US, have imported cheetahs from northern Africa and recommended the same to India, the official said. Primarily, cheetahs were found in parts of northern Africa but the population declined in the region and they are now considered extinct or nearly extinct in many northern African countries. However, the upcoming batch will be imported from South Africa. SP Yadav, the head of Project Cheetah and Additional Director General (Forests) said, "The idea that we may have cheetahs from northern Africa in the future has been discussed but the next batch will come from South Africa. " He added that India now plans to import big cats that do not develop thicker winter coats. A total of 20 cheetahs were imported from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno in two batches - one in September 2022 and the second in February 2023. Six of these adult big cats died due to various reasons while three cubs of the female Namibian cheetah died due to extreme heat. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Project Cheetah: India may import more big cats from Northern Africa, says official

Eight cheetahs were brought in from Namibia, after which another 12 arrived from South Africa in February. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the release of the first arrivals at the national park. But the project received a setback with a series of deaths of cheetahs. A total of eight felines have died so far, and in the aftermath of a recent death, a top Indian wildlife official was removed as concerns were raised about this high-profile and popular project. Take a look.

Is India's Project Cheetah going awry? What's causing deaths of big cats?

The nation was beaming with pride when the first batch of cheetahs landed in India after travelling in an Air Force's C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The cheetahs were translocated to the&nbsp; Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Eight cheetahs were brought in from Namibia, after which another 12 arrived from South Africa in February. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the release of the first arrivals at the national park. &nbsp;

The government aimed to reintroduce cheetahs, under the 'Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India', with plans to make the nation a home once again to the majestic presence of cheetahs, which are the world's fastest land animal.&nbsp;

But the project&nbsp;received a setback with a series of deaths of cheetahs. A total of eight felines have died so far, and in the aftermath of a recent death, a top Indian wildlife official was removed as concerns were raised about this high-profile and popular project.&nbsp;

Eight cheetahs have died in the last four months, with wildlife authorities attributing the deaths to natural causes.&nbsp;

Media reports mentioned that the top wildlife official in Madhya Pradesh, Jasbir Singh Chauhan, was transferred by the state forest department on Monday.&nbsp;

The authorities didn't reveal any reason, but media reports have linked the transfer to the cheetah deaths, citing sources saying that there were concerns over the project's management.&nbsp;

Five of the eight cheetahs that died&nbsp;were translocated animals, besides&nbsp;three of the four cubs that were born after their arrival.&nbsp;

The environment ministry stated on Sunday that declaring the programme a success or failure would be premature "because cheetah reintroduction was a long-term project."&nbsp;

It further said that global experience, particularly from South Africa, demonstrated that the first phases of reintroductions resulted in more than 50 per cent mortality.

However, while speaking to the news agency AFP on Tuesday, wildlife conservationist Praveen Bhargav said that the cheetah reintroduction programme was bound to fail as many fundamental issues had been ignored.&nbsp;

Bhargav said, "I believe the prime minister has unfortunately been misled by some bureaucrats and experts."&nbsp;

"We neither have the expansive grassland habitats that cheetahs need nor other ecological conditions to attempt such a complicated reintroduction," he said.&nbsp;

"This was a very good, headline-grabbing event but the harsh reality kicks in, as we are now witnessing after eight cheetahs have died," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Why did the cheetahs die?&nbsp;</h2>

Local media reports quoted experts as claiming that the deaths were because of the sub-standard radio collar. An allegation, refuted by the government as it says that all of the claims have been "speculation and hearsay without scientific evidence".&nbsp;

Citing a video seen by it, NDTV reported that the officials examined the radio collar and a maggot-infested wound on the neck of a cheetah named Suraj. As per reports, it died last week.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, R Sreenivasa Murthy, an IFS who led the operation to revive the tiger population, said, "It can cause infection. We had faced such a situation in Panna, but we had 24/7 monitoring. If it is a synthetic collar, it should be replaced immediately."&nbsp;

"It is a polymer, initially it remains soft but with time when it is polymerised then it becomes hard. If it is made of leather, it absorbs water its elasticity increases, and the animal does not suffer much from it," he added.

<h2>Extinction of cheetahs in India&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

In India, the last cheetahs were recorded in 1947 when three were shot in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Koriya District, Chhattisgarh state.&nbsp;

The main causes of cheetah extinction in India were large-scale capture of animals from the wild for coursing, bounty, and sport hunting, substantial habitat modification, and a concomitant fall in prey base. Cheetahs were declared extinct in 1952. Now, the government is trying to reintroduce African cousins of the Asiatic cheetahs.&nbsp;

<h2>What are India's objectives with this project?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The goal of the cheetah introduction project in India is to establish a viable cheetah metapopulation in the country that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and allows the cheetah to expand within its historic range, thus contributing to global conservation efforts.&nbsp;

As mentioned on a government website, India aims to establish breeding cheetah population&nbsp;in safe habitats across its historic range and manage them as a metapopulation.&nbsp;

Secondly, the nation's goals employ the cheetah as a flagship and umbrella species to raise funds for restoring open forest and savanna systems, which will boost biodiversity and ecosystem services.&nbsp;

The government also wishes to ensure opportunities for eco-development and eco-tourism to enhance local community livelihoods.&nbsp; 
 
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The nation was beaming with pride when the first batch of cheetahs landed in India after travelling in an Air Force's C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The cheetahs were translocated to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The nation was beaming with pride when the first batch of cheetahs landed in India after travelling in an Air Force's C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The cheetahs were translocated to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Eight cheetahs were brought in from Namibia, after which another 12 arrived from South Africa in February. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the release of the first arrivals at the national park. The government aimed to reintroduce cheetahs, under the 'Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India', with plans to make the nation a home once again to the majestic presence of cheetahs, which are the world's fastest land animal. But the project received a setback with a series of deaths of cheetahs. A total of eight felines have died so far, and in the aftermath of a recent death, a top Indian wildlife official was removed as concerns were raised about this high-profile and popular project. Eight cheetahs have died in the last four months, with wildlife authorities attributing the deaths to natural causes. Media reports mentioned that the top wildlife official in Madhya Pradesh, Jasbir Singh Chauhan, was transferred by the state forest department on Monday. The authorities didn't reveal any reason, but media reports have linked the transfer to the cheetah deaths, citing sources saying that there were concerns over the project's management. Five of the eight cheetahs that died were translocated animals, besides three of the four cubs that were born after their arrival. The environment ministry stated on Sunday that declaring the programme a success or failure would be premature "because cheetah reintroduction was a long-term project." It further said that global experience, particularly from South Africa, demonstrated that the first phases of reintroductions resulted in more than 50 per cent mortality. However, while speaking to the news agency AFP on Tuesday, wildlife conservationist Praveen Bhargav said that the cheetah reintroduction programme was bound to fail as many fundamental issues had been ignored. Bhargav said, "I believe the prime minister has unfortunately been misled by some bureaucrats and experts." "We neither have the expansive grassland habitats that cheetahs need nor other ecological conditions to attempt such a complicated reintroduction," he said. "This was a very good, headline-grabbing event but the harsh reality kicks in, as we are now witnessing after eight cheetahs have died," he added. Why did the cheetahs die? Local media reports quoted experts as claiming that the deaths were because of the sub-standard radio collar. An allegation, refuted by the government as it says that all of the claims have been "speculation and hearsay without scientific evidence". Citing a video seen by it, NDTV reported that the officials examined the radio collar and a maggot-infested wound on the neck of a cheetah named Suraj. As per reports, it died last week. As quoted by the report, R Sreenivasa Murthy, an IFS who led the operation to revive the tiger population, said, "It can cause infection. We had faced such a situation in Panna, but we had 24/7 monitoring. If it is a synthetic collar, it should be replaced immediately." "It is a polymer, initially it remains soft but with time when it is polymerised then it becomes hard. If it is made of leather, it absorbs water its elasticity increases, and the animal does not suffer much from it," he added. Extinction of cheetahs in India In India, the last cheetahs were recorded in 1947 when three were shot in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Koriya District, Chhattisgarh state. The main causes of cheetah extinction in India were large-scale capture of animals from the wild for coursing, bounty, and sport hunting, substantial habitat modification, and a concomitant fall in prey base. Cheetahs were declared extinct in 1952. Now, the government is trying to reintroduce African cousins of the Asiatic cheetahs. What are India's objectives with this project? The goal of the cheetah introduction project in India is to establish a viable cheetah metapopulation in the country that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and allows the cheetah to expand within its historic range, thus contributing to global conservation efforts. As mentioned on a government website, India aims to establish breeding cheetah population in safe habitats across its historic range and manage them as a metapopulation. Secondly, the nation's goals employ the cheetah as a flagship and umbrella species to raise funds for restoring open forest and savanna systems, which will boost biodiversity and ecosystem services. The government also wishes to ensure opportunities for eco-development and eco-tourism to enhance local community livelihoods. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Is India's Project Cheetah going awry? What's causing deaths of big cats?

In another major setback to&nbsp;the ambitious&nbsp;Project Cheetah, two more cubs lost their lives&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Kuno National Park&nbsp;in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh in central India. The cubs died just two days after another cub had lost his life.

The increasing deaths of cheetahs in the Kuno National Park have escalated worries over Project Cheetah's future in India. The cubs were found to be weak, underweight and poorly hydrated, said officials. 
 
Speaking about their deaths, South African wildlife expert Vincent van der Merwe said that there will be an increase in the mortality rate of these cheetahs in the coming months amid their reintroduction, PTI reported. 
 
The expert added that there are chances of cheetahs' mortality rate increasing by 50 per cent in the first year. “We anticipate a 50 per cent mortality in the first year, we know that only 10 are going to survive the initial release period. There's going to be more than enough prey for them,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-another-cheetah-dies-at-kuno-national-park-third-death-in-40-days-590668">India: Another cheetah dies at Kuno National Park, third death in 40 days</a>

According to the expert, there will be more deaths as the big cats will make attempts to establish territories and in these efforts, they will encounter tigers and leopards inside the national park. 
 
He further added that the recent deaths of cheetahs have occurred within the acceptable range. However, he added that the killing of female cheetahs by males during mating was uncalled for.

<h2>What can India do to save cheetahs?</h2>

The wildlife expert stated that the habitats should be fenced so that access to resources by other animals can be controlled and the overall threat to these cheetahs can be reduced. 
 
He added that the reintroduction of cheetahs has never been successful in an unfenced reserve. Merwe further said that at least two to three cheetahs should be brought to Mukundra Hills where they can breed. 
 
"Mukundra Hills is fully fenced. We know that cheetahs will do very well there. The only problem is that it's not fully stocked at the moment. So you'll have to bring in some black buck and chinkara. And when the fencing is completed at Nauradehi and Gandhisagar, we will have three fenced reserves and then we are absolutely winning," he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;India to receive South Africa's Cheetah; 12 Cheetahs to come to India | WION Climate Tracker

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<h2>'Death is normal after relocation'</h2>

The wildlife expert stated that the death of cheetahs is normal after relocation. 
 
"That's where you can expect mortality due to hunting injury. The cheetahs, of course, will continue to establish territories and fight with each other and kill each other for territories and for access to females. They're going to encounter leopards. There are now tigers moving around in Kuno. The worst mortalities are still to come," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In another major setback to the ambitious Project Cheetah, two more cubs lost their lives inside Kuno National Park in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh in central India.

In another major setback to the ambitious Project Cheetah, two more cubs lost their lives inside Kuno National Park in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh in central India. The cubs died just two days after another cub had lost his life. The increasing deaths of cheetahs in the Kuno National Park have escalated worries over Project Cheetah's future in India. The cubs were found to be weak, underweight and poorly hydrated, said officials. Speaking about their deaths, South African wildlife expert Vincent van der Merwe said that there will be an increase in the mortality rate of these cheetahs in the coming months amid their reintroduction, PTI reported. The expert added that there are chances of cheetahs' mortality rate increasing by 50 per cent in the first year. “We anticipate a 50 per cent mortality in the first year, we know that only 10 are going to survive the initial release period. There's going to be more than enough prey for them,” he added. ALSO READ | India: Another cheetah dies at Kuno National Park, third death in 40 days According to the expert, there will be more deaths as the big cats will make attempts to establish territories and in these efforts, they will encounter tigers and leopards inside the national park. He further added that the recent deaths of cheetahs have occurred within the acceptable range. However, he added that the killing of female cheetahs by males during mating was uncalled for. What can India do to save cheetahs? The wildlife expert stated that the habitats should be fenced so that access to resources by other animals can be controlled and the overall threat to these cheetahs can be reduced. He added that the reintroduction of cheetahs has never been successful in an unfenced reserve. Merwe further said that at least two to three cheetahs should be brought to Mukundra Hills where they can breed. "Mukundra Hills is fully fenced. We know that cheetahs will do very well there. The only problem is that it's not fully stocked at the moment. So you'll have to bring in some black buck and chinkara. And when the fencing is completed at Nauradehi and Gandhisagar, we will have three fenced reserves and then we are absolutely winning," he added. WATCH | India to receive South Africa's Cheetah; 12 Cheetahs to come to India | WION Climate Tracker 'Death is normal after relocation' The wildlife expert stated that the death of cheetahs is normal after relocation. "That's where you can expect mortality due to hunting injury. The cheetahs, of course, will continue to establish territories and fight with each other and kill each other for territories and for access to females. They're going to encounter leopards. There are now tigers moving around in Kuno. The worst mortalities are still to come," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Three cheetah cubs dead in India’s Kuno National Park, expert warns of higher mortality

Another one of the eight Namibian cheetahs brought to India as part of an ambitious reintroduction programme has died. The cheetah has been identified as 'Uday,' a male, but his cause of death is still unknown.&nbsp;

Talking to the PTI news agency, J S Chauhan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Wildlife, revealed that "during the inspection in the morning, a cheetah (Uday) brought from South Africa was found dull with head down following which veterinarians attending him alerted senior officials and the feline was taken out from the large enclosure for treatment. Unfortunately, around 4 pm, the cheetah passed away."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namibian-cheetah-sasha-dies-in-indian-state-of-madhya-pradesh-from-kidney-disease-576390">Namibian Cheetah Sasha dies in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh from kidney disease</a>

While Uday's exact cause of death is yet to be identified, an official release said that the officials found him sluggish in his boma (enclosure) and a closer inspection revealed he was staggering.

"As per the inspection conducted on Saturday evening, Uday was found healthy. During inspection on Sunday morning, the medical team found that the cheetah was ailing. Following a due process, the cheetah was tranquilised on the advice of wildlife veterinarians and treatment was started at 11 AM," said the release.

The feline was kept in an isolation ward under the observation of wildlife veterinarians. His treatment started at 11 am and by 4 pm, the animal died. To find the exact cause of death, a postmortem will be conducted.

Sasha, another one of the eight Namibian cheetahs, aged more than four-and-a-half-years, died of a kidney ailment at KNP on March 27.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-four-cubs-newborns-of-cheetah-brought-from-namibia-yawns-lazily-576946">Watch | Four cubs, newborns of Cheetah brought from Namibia, yawn lazily</a>

Uday, Sasha and six more cheetahs were brought to India under the nation's 'Project Cheetah'. The programme which was launched last September seeks to reintroduce the species, decades after it went extinct in the country. Under it, eight members of the species&nbsp;five females and three males were brought to the KNP, which has a core area of 748 sq km and a 487 sq km buffer zone surrounding it. On February 18 this year, 12 cheetahs, comprising seven males and five females, were brought to the KNP from South Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Another one of the eight Namibian cheetahs brought to India as part of an ambitious reintroduction programme has died. The cheetah has been identified as 'Uday,' a male, but his cause of death is still unknown.

Another one of the eight Namibian cheetahs brought to India as part of an ambitious reintroduction programme has died. The cheetah has been identified as 'Uday,' a male, but his cause of death is still unknown. Talking to the PTI news agency, J S Chauhan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Wildlife, revealed that "during the inspection in the morning, a cheetah (Uday) brought from South Africa was found dull with head down following which veterinarians attending him alerted senior officials and the feline was taken out from the large enclosure for treatment. Unfortunately, around 4 pm, the cheetah passed away." Also read | Namibian Cheetah Sasha dies in Indian state of Madhya Pradesh from kidney disease While Uday's exact cause of death is yet to be identified, an official release said that the officials found him sluggish in his boma (enclosure) and a closer inspection revealed he was staggering. "As per the inspection conducted on Saturday evening, Uday was found healthy. During inspection on Sunday morning, the medical team found that the cheetah was ailing. Following a due process, the cheetah was tranquilised on the advice of wildlife veterinarians and treatment was started at 11 AM," said the release. The feline was kept in an isolation ward under the observation of wildlife veterinarians. His treatment started at 11 am and by 4 pm, the animal died. To find the exact cause of death, a postmortem will be conducted. Sasha, another one of the eight Namibian cheetahs, aged more than four-and-a-half-years, died of a kidney ailment at KNP on March 27. Also read | Watch | Four cubs, newborns of Cheetah brought from Namibia, yawn lazily Uday, Sasha and six more cheetahs were brought to India under the nation's 'Project Cheetah'. The programme which was launched last September seeks to reintroduce the species, decades after it went extinct in the country. Under it, eight members of the species five females and three males were brought to the KNP, which has a core area of 748 sq km and a 487 sq km buffer zone surrounding it. On February 18 this year, 12 cheetahs, comprising seven males and five females, were brought to the KNP from South Africa. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Second of the eight felines brought to India under 'Project Cheetah' dies in Madhya Pradesh

One of the eight cheetahs that were introduced to India from Namibia in September last year has given birth to four cubs, a video of which is now capturing hearts on social media.&nbsp;Last year on September 17, the new guests arrived from Namibia at the Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh (MP) in central India.

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in the year 1952. This inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project, the first in the world, was carried out to reintroduce this fastest land animal back in India.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marriage-a-license-to-rape-indias-top-court-to-hear-pleas-on-marital-rape-these-countries-criminalise-it-576588">Marriage a license to rape? India's top court to hear pleas on marital rape; these countries criminalise it</a>

As part of this Project Cheetah, a total of five females and three males were introduced at the National Park which is located in MP's Sheopur district.&nbsp;

Indian Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav shared a video on his social media handle where he posted a video of the four cubs born to one of the cheetahs. He called this a "momentous event" in the wildlife conservation history of India during Amrit Kaal, the 75 years of India's independence.&nbsp;

In the video, the Cheetah cubs can be seen yawning. While sharing the video on Twitter, the minister wrote, "Congratulations India. A momentous event in our wildlife conservation history during Amrit Kaal! I am delighted to share that four cubs have been born to one of the cheetahs translocated to India on 17th September 2022, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji."&nbsp;

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Congratulations 🇮🇳 
 
A momentous event in our wildlife conservation history during Amrit Kaal! 
 
I am delighted to share that four cubs have been born to one of the cheetahs translocated to India on 17th September 2022, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji. <a href="https://t.co/a1YXqi7kTt">pic.twitter.com/a1YXqi7kTt</a>
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/byadavbjp/status/1640989652239925249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"I congratulate the entire team of Project Cheetah for their relentless efforts in bringing back cheetahs to India and for their efforts in correcting an ecological wrong done in the past," he added in a separate tweet.&nbsp;

In a sad moment on Monday, one of the five female cheetahs Sasha that arrived in India in September died due to a kidney infection.&nbsp;

Sasha displayed signs of weakness and exhaustion and after running a medical diagnosis she was found to be dehydrated. A blood test suggested high creatinine levels and a kidney illness.&nbsp;

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“Sadly, Sasha succumbed to renal failure. She was under the care of Project Cheetah veterinarians for a few months, so this was not unexpected. Kidney disease and renal failure are a problem for all cats, but this can be especially bad for cheetahs, which are by nature delicate creatures," said Dr Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director for Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).

Sasha, an orphan, was saved by the Cheetah Conservation Fund before being transferred to India as part of the Cheetah programme. However, on a positive note, the reports said the other cheetahs in the park are in good health condition. 
 
 
&nbsp;

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One of the eight cheetahs that were introduced to India from Namibia in September last year has given birth to four cubs, a video of which is now capturing hearts on social media.

One of the eight cheetahs that were introduced to India from Namibia in September last year has given birth to four cubs, a video of which is now capturing hearts on social media. Last year on September 17, the new guests arrived from Namibia at the Kuno National Park in the state of Madhya Pradesh (MP) in central India. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in the year 1952. This inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project, the first in the world, was carried out to reintroduce this fastest land animal back in India. Also Read | Marriage a license to rape? India's top court to hear pleas on marital rape; these countries criminalise it As part of this Project Cheetah, a total of five females and three males were introduced at the National Park which is located in MP's Sheopur district. Indian Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav shared a video on his social media handle where he posted a video of the four cubs born to one of the cheetahs. He called this a "momentous event" in the wildlife conservation history of India during Amrit Kaal, the 75 years of India's independence. In the video, the Cheetah cubs can be seen yawning. While sharing the video on Twitter, the minister wrote, "Congratulations India. A momentous event in our wildlife conservation history during Amrit Kaal! I am delighted to share that four cubs have been born to one of the cheetahs translocated to India on 17th September 2022, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji." Congratulations 🇮🇳 A momentous event in our wildlife conservation history during Amrit Kaal! I am delighted to share that four cubs have been born to one of the cheetahs translocated to India on 17th September 2022, under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji. pic.twitter.com/a1YXqi7kTt — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) March 29, 2023 × Also Read | Kashmir's Tulip Garden, Asia's largest, saw over 100,000 visitors in first week of opening "I congratulate the entire team of Project Cheetah for their relentless efforts in bringing back cheetahs to India and for their efforts in correcting an ecological wrong done in the past," he added in a separate tweet. In a sad moment on Monday, one of the five female cheetahs Sasha that arrived in India in September died due to a kidney infection. Sasha displayed signs of weakness and exhaustion and after running a medical diagnosis she was found to be dehydrated. A blood test suggested high creatinine levels and a kidney illness. Watch | Israel protests: US President Joe Biden urges Netanyahu to abandon judicial overhaul × “Sadly, Sasha succumbed to renal failure. She was under the care of Project Cheetah veterinarians for a few months, so this was not unexpected. Kidney disease and renal failure are a problem for all cats, but this can be especially bad for cheetahs, which are by nature delicate creatures," said Dr Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director for Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Sasha, an orphan, was saved by the Cheetah Conservation Fund before being transferred to India as part of the Cheetah programme. However, on a positive note, the reports said the other cheetahs in the park are in good health condition. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch | Four cubs, newborns of Cheetah brought from Namibia, yawn lazily

In pics | From South Africa to India: The journey of 12 cheetahs to Kuno National Park

India's ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’ will take another important step forward next week with the arrival of the first batch of the 12 big cats from South Africa.

An Indian Air Force plane will drop them off at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, via Gwalior city on February 18. It will join eight other cheetahs that were introduced to India from Namibia in September 2022 as part of the world's first inter-continental transfer of large wild carnivorous animals.

'Project Cheetah', officially known as the "Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India," aims to reintroduce the fastest land animal to the country. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 due to overhunting and habitat loss.

Last month, India and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sending cheetahs to India. Under the agreement, an initial batch of 12 cheetahs is scheduled to be flown from South Africa to India in February 2023, with a plan to translocate a further 12 annually for the next eight to 10 years.

<h2>India to receive South Africa's Cheetah</h2>

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The initiative is being coordinated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in India in collaboration with South African organisations, including the National Biodiversity Institute, National Parks, the Cheetah Range Expansion Project, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

The MoU facilitates cooperation between the countries to establish a viable and secure cheetah population in India, promotes conservation, and ensures expertise and capacity building in large carnivore conservation.

The MoU will be reviewed every five years to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in supporting the reintroduction of cheetahs to India.

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India's ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’ will take another important step forward next week with the arrival of the first batch of the 12 big cats from South Africa. An Indian Air Force plane will drop them off at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, via Gwalior city on February 18.

India's ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’ will take another important step forward next week with the arrival of the first batch of the 12 big cats from South Africa. An Indian Air Force plane will drop them off at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, via Gwalior city on February 18. It will join eight other cheetahs that were introduced to India from Namibia in September 2022 as part of the world's first inter-continental transfer of large wild carnivorous animals. 'Project Cheetah', officially known as the "Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India," aims to reintroduce the fastest land animal to the country. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 due to overhunting and habitat loss. Last month, India and South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sending cheetahs to India. Under the agreement, an initial batch of 12 cheetahs is scheduled to be flown from South Africa to India in February 2023, with a plan to translocate a further 12 annually for the next eight to 10 years. India to receive South Africa's Cheetah The initiative is being coordinated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in India in collaboration with South African organisations, including the National Biodiversity Institute, National Parks, the Cheetah Range Expansion Project, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The MoU facilitates cooperation between the countries to establish a viable and secure cheetah population in India, promotes conservation, and ensures expertise and capacity building in large carnivore conservation. The MoU will be reviewed every five years to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in supporting the reintroduction of cheetahs to India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India to get 12 cheetahs from South Africa next week

Seventy years after being extinct from India, world's fastest land animal Cheetahs walk on the Indian ground once again as part of Project Cheetah. The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is first-of-its-kind transcontinental mission under which a total of eight Namibian Cheetahs are brought back to the Indian territory after being extinct for over 70 years. Five female and three male cheetahs are heading for India in a customized Boeing 747-400 jumbo aircraft from Namibia's capital Windhoek, travelling overnight and reaching Gwalior on September 17.

What is Project Cheetah and how is it significant to India?

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