Cheetahs Return: 8 New Big Cats Arrive in India

Eight cheetahs, including six females and two males, have arrived in India from Botswana, boosting the nation's cheetah population to 46. This significant development is part of the Centre's ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme. The animals were airlifted from Botswana to Gwalior and then transported by helicopter to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Officials will house the cheetahs in specially prepared quarantine enclosures for approximately one month. During this acclimatization period, wildlife veterinarians will meticulously monitor the cheetahs' feeding habits, movement, adaptation to the local climate, and overall health. The cheetahs will be fitted with GPS satellite collars for real-time tracking post-release. This crucial enclosure phase aims to minimize mortality risks and help the big cats adjust to Indian prey and terrain. This is the third influx of African cheetahs following earlier introductions from Namibia and South Africa. The government's agreement with Botswana aims to establish a genetically diverse, free-ranging cheetah population in India over the next decade. Since the project's inception, 39 cubs have been born in India, with 27 surviving, reflecting ongoing efforts to re-establish the species after its extinction nearly 70 years ago.