New Delhi: An Indian-born female cheetah, KJP21, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, taking the total cheetah population
in India to 60.
The development was announced by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, who said the 32-month-old KJP21 is the third Indian-born female cheetah to give birth after Mukhi and KGP12.
The birth marks another milestone for Project Cheetah and the country’s efforts to establish a self-sustaining cheetah population. Of the 60 cheetahs currently in India, 41 were born in the country.
KJP21 gives birth to 5 cubs at Kuno
Sharing the news on X, Bhupender Yadav described the birth as a historic milestone for Project Cheetah. He said KJP21’s successful breeding marked the emergence of another generation of cheetahs born on Indian soil.
The Union Minister also highlighted the genetic significance of the five cubs. Their father is a male cheetah from Botswana, meaning the cubs introduce a new Botswanan genetic lineage into India’s growing cheetah population.
Yadav said the development adds another chapter to India’s cheetah reintroduction programme and praised the veterinarians, field staff, managers and others associated with Project Cheetah.
He congratulated the teams on their continued efforts and welcomed the five new cubs to India’s cheetah population.
Cheetah population in India reaches 60
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also welcomed the development, describing it as another proud moment for Project Cheetah.
“Another Proud Moment for Project Cheetah: Indian-born female cheetah KJP21 has given birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park, taking India’s cheetah population to 60, including 41 Indian-born cheetahs. Heartiest congratulations to the entire Project Cheetah and Kuno team. Another significant milestone in India’s journey towards restoring its cheetah population and strengthening wildlife conservation,” the Chief Minister said.
The latest births further expand the population of cheetahs born in India since the animals were reintroduced under Project Cheetah. The addition of a Botswana genetic lineage through KJP21’s cubs is also significant for the programme’s efforts to build genetic diversity within the population.
