India’s cheetah population has reached 52 four years after the species was reintroduced into the country, including 32 cheetahs born in India, according to the four-year status review of Project Cheetah. Of the current population, 49 are in Kuno National Park and three are in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, both in Madhya Pradesh.
The programme began on September 17, 2022, when eight cheetahs from Namibia were brought to Kuno, decades after the species became extinct in India in 1952. Officials say the programme has now moved beyond simply bringing cheetahs back to establishing breeding populations, supporting cub survival and expanding suitable habitats for a long-term cheetah metapopulation.
A Growing Population
The first eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in February 2023 and nine from Botswana in February 2026. The latest review records 32 India-born cheetahs among the 52 currently living in the country.
Of the eight Namibian cheetahs initially introduced, three are still alive and have produced 22 surviving India-born offspring, taking the Namibian-origin population and its progeny to 25. Of the 12 South African cheetahs introduced in 2023, eight remain alive and have produced 10 India-born offspring. Three of those South African-origin cheetahs and their offspring are now at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
A new chapter in India-Botswana wildlife conservation partnership: At the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Botswana, President Droupadi Murmu and President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the release of captured cheetahs originating from Botswana's Ghanzi region into the quarantine facility… pic.twitter.com/NtzgBILxyT
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 13, 2025
From Reintroduction To Reproduction
The project has faced challenges involving the animals’ adaptation, health, movement and survival in Indian conditions. Officials said the first year involved learning about cheetah behaviour, health and management, while subsequent phases increasingly focused on cub survival and releasing animals into open forest areas. By the fourth year, officials highlighted the establishment of breeding females and the survival of second-generation cubs as important developments. In April 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that an India-born female cheetah had given birth to four cubs in the wild at Kuno, describing it as a “milestone moment” for the programme.
The current population is also beginning to spread beyond Kuno. Of the 49 cheetahs in Kuno, 17 are in open forest areas, while 32 remain in soft-release enclosures, according to the latest review. Three are currently in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Officials say the next phase will focus on expanding suitable habitats and developing a connected, long-term cheetah metapopulation rather than depending on a single site. This approach is intended to support breeding, movement and population growth while allowing conservation managers to monitor the animals as they adapt to larger landscapes.
Cheetahs cross half-century 🐆
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) March 9, 2026
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,… pic.twitter.com/tzxYYmLPtM
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The return of cheetahs to India is not simply a story about reaching a larger number. It is a reminder that restoring a species requires sustained scientific monitoring, habitat management, breeding success and careful coexistence with surrounding ecosystems. The presence of 32 India-born cheetahs shows that reproduction has taken place after reintroduction, while the movement of animals into open landscapes presents new conservation responsibilities.
As Project Cheetah enters its next phase, long-term success will depend on maintaining healthy habitats, protecting prey and ensuring that wildlife conservation progresses alongside the needs of local communities. What should India prioritise next to ensure that this returning population can survive and thrive for generations?
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