India’s cheetah population has increased to 38 following the birth of three cubs, the Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, announced on Wednesday. This development marks an overall rise of 35% from the 28 cheetahs initially introduced in batches since 2022.

The cubs were born to a South African cheetah named Gamini, marking her second litter in India. Mr Yadav confirmed that this is the ninth successful cheetah litter on Indian soil, bringing the number of surviving Indian-born cubs to 27.

Cheetah Reintroduction Programme

The reintroduction programme commenced in September 2022 with the arrival of African cheetahs at Kuno National Park, approximately 300 kilometres south of New Delhi. This initiative follows the declaration of Asiatic cheetahs as extinct in India in 1952. The programme represents the first intercontinental relocation of the planet’s fastest land animal.

According to government figures, eight cheetahs were initially sourced from Namibia in 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in 2023, and an additional eight from Botswana in December 2025. Kuno National Park, with a core protected area of 748 square kilometres, was selected for its abundant prey and grasslands. Some cheetahs have also been introduced to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, located 200 kilometres away. A “soft release” zone, comprising large but enclosed areas, is utilised to facilitate acclimatisation before the cheetahs are fully introduced into the wild.

Challenges and Adaptations

The high-profile reintroduction programme has faced criticism concerning the mortality rates of several cheetahs after their release. Critics have suggested that the animals might struggle to adapt to the Indian habitat due to competition for prey from a significant number of leopards within the national park.

However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which oversees the cheetah project, has stated that survival rates and hunting successes are “comparable to other international cheetah reintroduction efforts.” The NTCA further noted that recorded wild prey kills confirm successful adaptation to the Indian landscape. Experts in animal reintroductions frequently indicate that such programmes often result in mortality rates exceeding 50%, particularly during the initial phases.