India Cheetah Population Grows With New Cubs
Why this is here: The birth of five cubs to Jwala marks the tenth successful cheetah litter born in India since the reintroduction program began, demonstrating a degree of success despite initial high mortality rates.
A female cheetah named Jwala recently gave birth to five cubs in India’s Madhya Pradesh state. This is the third litter for Jwala since her arrival in 2022 as part of a reintroduction program. India’s Minister for the Environment reported the birth brings the total number of Indian-born cheetah cubs to 33.
Cheetahs were historically found in India before becoming extinct in the mid-20th century. The reintroduction project, known as “Project Cheetah,” began with 28 animals from Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. While over half of the imported cheetahs have died, 53 now live in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Currently, 11 of the original translocated cheetahs remain. The recent litters, including a February birth of three cubs to a Namibian female named Gamini, indicate successful adaptation. Authorities state prey kills suggest the cheetahs are adapting to the Indian landscape.