IN A major boost to India’s ambitious reintroduction program, the national cheetah population has crossed the 50-mark. Jwala, a Namibian cheetah at Kuno National Park, gave birth to five cubs on Monday, taking the total number of cheetahs in the country to 53. Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took to social media to announce the achievement, describing it as a historic and heart-warming moment for global wildlife conservation. With the birth of these five cubs, the number of cheetahs born on Indian soil has risen to 33. This marks the 10th successful litter since the launch of Project Cheetah. Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted that Jwala, a third-time mother, has shown exceptional adaptation to the Indian habitat. “This achievement reflects the dedicated efforts, skill, and commitment of the veterinarians, field staff, and all involved who continue to work tirelessly on the ground,” the Union Minister stated. He added that Jwala and her cubs are expected to carry India’s cheetah story to even greater heights. Jwala has emerged as one of the most successful females in the project.

 

She first gave birth to four cubs in March 2023, followed by another litter of four in January 2024. With this latest litter of five, she has given birth to a total of 13 cubs in India, of which nine are currently thriving, including Mukhi, the first cheetah cub born in the country. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav lauded the development as a “strong testament to the success of India’s cheetah reintroduction efforts.” He noted that the growing numbers reflect the suitability of the Madhya Pradesh landscape for the species. Of the total 53 cheetahs now in India, 50 are stationed at Kuno National Park, while three are housed at the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. The population includes: 33 Indian-born cubs thriving across different litters. 9 cheetahs from Botswana (six females and three males) who were released into quarantine enclosures on February 28, 2026, and are currently undergoing acclimatisation. South African and Namibian adults brought during the initial phases of the project.