Cheetahs to Roar Again in Kuno: Eight New Guests from Botswana Get the Green Signal

Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh):
The iconic roar of African cheetahs is set to echo once again across Kuno National Park, as preparations to bring a fresh group of cheetahs from Botswana gain momentum. A visiting expert team from Botswana has given a positive assessment of the park, clearing the way for the next phase of Project Cheetah.

According to officials, eight cheetahs are expected to arrive in India in the first or second week of January. The group will include two adult female cheetahs along with their six cubs, marking a significant boost to India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme.

Botswana Team Reviews Kuno Facilities

A three-member delegation from Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks recently visited Kuno National Park to assess ground preparedness. The team comprised a veterinarian, a security expert, and a wildlife biologist, who closely examined animal enclosures, veterinary infrastructure, habitat suitability, and overall security arrangements.

Officials confirmed that the delegation expressed satisfaction with the facilities and preparedness, paving the way for the cheetahs’ transcontinental journey.

Isolation Before Release

As per established wildlife protocols, the cheetahs will be kept in isolation enclosures upon arrival for a specified period. This phase will allow health monitoring, acclimatisation, and veterinary checks. The timeline for their gradual release into the open forest will be determined based on National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines and medical evaluations.

Strengthening India’s Cheetah Population

Kuno National Park remains the core hub of India’s cheetah reintroduction mission. Earlier, cheetahs were successfully translocated from Namibia and South Africa. The arrival of cheetahs from Botswana represents a long-term conservation strategy aimed at increasing genetic diversity and ensuring the sustainability of the species in India’s wild landscapes.

Wildlife experts believe this phase will further strengthen India’s efforts to restore cheetahs—extinct in the country for over seven decades—back into their natural habitat.

With international cooperation and meticulous planning, Kuno is ready once again to welcome its fastest residents, signalling a hopeful chapter for wildlife conservation in India.