09 March,2026 04:07 PM IST | Bhopal | mid-day online correspondent
A cheetah named Jwala rests with her cubs after giving birth at Kuno National Park. Pic/PTI
India's cheetah population has crossed the 50 mark, marking an important milestone in wildlife conservation efforts, according to officials.
The development comes after Cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Monday.
Bhupender Yadav, India's Union Environment Minister, announced that with the birth of the cubs, the country's total cheetah population has reached 53.
The announcement comes just days after another cheetah, Cheetah Gamini, delivered four cubs at the same park.
According to the minister, the latest birth takes the number of Indian-born cubs to 33, representing the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil.
"Cheetahs cross half-century! A moment of great pride for Project Cheetah as Jwala, the Namibian Cheetah and a successful third-time mother, gave birth to five cubs today at the Kuno National Park. With this birth, 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," the Union Minister said in a post on X.
Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, described the development as a proud moment for wildlife conservation in the country.
In a message shared on social media, he said the birth of the cubs marks another important milestone under Project Cheetah, which aims to restore the species in India.
"Good News from Kuno National Park again...Cheetah Jwala has given birth to 5 cubs, marking another major milestone for Project Cheetah. With this, India's cheetah population has crossed the half-century mark, reaching 53. A proud moment for wildlife conservation and a strong testament to the success of India's cheetah reintroduction efforts," CM Yadav said in a post on X.
The cheetah, recognised as the world's fastest land animal, became extinct in India nearly seven decades ago.
The cheetah reintroduction initiative began in September 2022 when Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs brought from Namibia into Kuno National Park.
The ambitious programme seeks to revive the cheetah population in India while also strengthening wildlife conservation and promoting eco-tourism in the region.
(with PTI inputs)
