A Sprinting Revival: The Return of the Cheetah

India has achieved a historic milestone with the successful reintroduction of cheetahs after more than 70 years of extinction in the country. This initiative, known as Project Cheetah, is the world’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore.

Historic Translocation:
- In September 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were released at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- In February 2023, twelve more arrived from South Africa.
- In November 2025, Botswana gifted eight cheetahs to India.

Population Growth:
- As of December 2025, India has 30 cheetahs (12 adults, 9 sub-adults, 9 cubs).
- Mukhi, the first cub born on Indian soil, has herself become a mother to five healthy cubs — a landmark for second-generation viability.

Conservation Impact:
- Over 450 Cheetah Mitras (community volunteers) engaged in awareness and protection.
- 380 direct jobs created, with 5% eco-tourism revenue shared with local communities.
- Expansion plans include linking populations across Kuno and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, aiming for a self-sustaining metapopulation of 60–70 cheetahs by 2032.

Global Recognition:
- Project Cheetah aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land).
- India has positioned itself as a leader in large-carnivore rewilding and transboundary conservation diplomacy.

Symbolism
The cheetah’s return is more than ecological restoration — it is a revival of heritage and hope, reconnecting India’s grasslands with a species once declared extinct in 1952.