Exciting developments have taken place at Kuno National Park in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, as one of the park’s resident female cheetahs, Nirvah, recently gave birth to four cubs on November 22. This significant addition brings Kuno’s cheetah population to 24, including 12 cubs.
Conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are celebrating this event as a remarkable milestone in India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction project. The project aims not only to revive the cheetah population in India, where they were declared extinct in 1952, but also to establish a sustainable breeding center, marking a critical step toward restoring this iconic species to its natural habitat.
Though no official statement has been released by park authorities, confirmation is expected soon. Nirvah, one of the cheetahs brought from South Africa in 2022, has played a pivotal role in the success of this project. Her cubs represent a significant step forward, reinforcing the project’s impact and showcasing Kuno as a breeding ground for these majestic animals.
Recently, there was speculation about Nirvah’s pregnancy, prompting park management to enhance surveillance around her. As anticipated, she gave birth to her cubs, marking a joyous occasion for conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.
In addition to Nirvah, there was also speculation that another female cheetah, Veera, might be pregnant. However, further observation revealed that Veera’s apparent pregnancy was actually due to hormonal changes, not an impending birth. This clarification put an end to the rumors and allowed park management to focus on monitoring Nirvah and her new cubs.
Kuno National Park has established itself as a key breeding site for cheetahs in India. The consistent births in the park suggest that it offers an environment conducive to the animals’ survival and growth. The successful births also hint at the long-term sustainability of the cheetah population in the area, providing hope for the future of cheetah conservation efforts in India.
Encouraged by the success of the cheetah project in Kuno, authorities are now looking to expand the initiative to other areas. Plans are underway to introduce cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, to further strengthen the species’ population and spread its presence across the region. A team has already conducted preliminary inspections at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary as part of these expansion efforts.
India’s journey to reintroduce cheetahs began with Prime Minister Modi releasing eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. Additional cheetahs arrived from South Africa as well. Over the past two years, the population has increased to 24, despite some losses along the way. While a few cheetahs have not survived, the birth of multiple cubs signals the project’s overall success.
The birth of new cubs in Kuno National Park symbolizes a significant achievement in India’s cheetah reintroduction efforts. With ongoing plans to establish additional habitats, India’s ambition to restore its cheetah population and safeguard these endangered animals is taking a promising step forward. The success in Kuno not only highlights the dedication of wildlife authorities but also renews hope for the future of cheetahs in India.
