India’s cheetah population has reached 53 after a Namibian cheetah, Jwala, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Monday.
In a post on X, the Minister announced that the birth marked the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil, taking the number of Indian-born cubs to 33 since the launch of Project Cheetah.
Describing Jwala as a successful third-time mother, Yadav said the development represents another significant milestone in India’s efforts to reintroduce the species. He noted that the achievement reflects the dedicated work, skill and commitment of veterinarians, field staff and conservation teams involved in managing the project on the ground.
Calling the birth a historic and heart-warming moment for wildlife conservation, the Minister expressed hope that Jwala and her cubs would grow strong and further strengthen India’s cheetah conservation journey.
The announcement comes shortly after another cheetah, Gamini, brought from South Africa, gave birth to four cubs, marking her second litter in India.
On February 28, the Minister released nine cheetahs—six females and three males – received from Botswana into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park. The animals are currently undergoing an acclimatisation and health monitoring phase before their gradual release into the park’s wider landscape.
