Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, marking a historic milestone in India’s cheetah reintroduction initiative and wildlife conservation.

Introduction

A historic breakthrough in India’s wildlife conservation has unfolded at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh with Mukhi, the first Indian-born female cheetah, giving birth to five healthy cubs. At just 33 months old, Mukhi’s successful reproduction marks a landmark achievement for the country’s ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project, signaling the species’ strong adaptation to Indian habitats and promising a positive future for their population resurgence.deccanchronicle+2​

Context and Background

The cheetah, famously known as the world’s fastest land animal, was declared extinct in India in 1952 after decades of overhunting, habitat loss, and use for coursing sport. The original Asiatic cheetah disappeared from India’s wild, despite its adaptability to dry forests, grasslands, and open plains. To restore this iconic predator, the Government of India initiated the Project Cheetah, beginning with the African cheetah reintroduction plan. After initial legal challenges, the Supreme Court approved a pilot project in 2020 to introduce African cheetahs to suitable habitats on an experimental basis.

In September 2022, the first eight cheetahs (from Namibia), followed by twelve more from South Africa in February 2023, were airlifted and released into Kuno National Park. This pioneering intercontinental translocation marks India’s and the world’s first such large-scale wild carnivore reintroduction.time+2​

Main Developments and Their Impact

Mukhi, born in India to a Namibian female cheetah brought under this project, has now become the first Indian-born female cheetah to reproduce successfully. Giving birth to five cubs—an unusually large litter—Mukhi’s milestone is a clear indication of the species’ viability and adaptation to the Indian ecosystem, a significant step toward establishing a sustainable, genetically diverse cheetah population.

Officials emphasize that Mukhi and her cubs are under continuous monitoring via radio collars and camera traps, all in excellent health. The survival rate of cubs at Kuno surpasses 61%, which is far above the global average, reflecting the effectiveness of the project’s habitat management and care.ddnews+2​

Expert Insight and Public Reaction

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have termed Mukhi’s birth a historic milestone and an unprecedented breakthrough for wildlife conservation in India. The positive outcomes have generated optimism among conservationists and the general public, who view this success as a beacon of hope for India’s rewilding efforts and global conservation commitments.deccanchronicle+1​

Impact and Future Implications

Mukhi’s successful motherhood sets the stage for expanding the cheetah population within India’s historical range, fostering the restoration of ecological balance by reviving a top predator. Plans are underway to increase genetic diversity by introducing additional cheetahs from African populations. The project also aims to boost the local economy by enhancing ecotourism and livelihood options for communities around the sanctuary.

This landmark achievement enriches global conservation efforts for the vulnerable cheetah species, reinforcing India’s role in safeguarding endangered wildlife and supporting biodiversity.ntca+1​

Conclusion

The birth of five cubs to Mukhi, the first Indian-born female cheetah at Kuno National Park, heralds a new chapter in India’s wildlife conservation journey. It showcases the success of international collaboration, meticulous planning, and habitat management in reviving a species once declared extinct in the country. As Project Cheetah moves forward, this milestone brings renewed hope for ecological restoration, animal conservation, and the creation of a thriving cheetah metapopulation in India that contributes meaningfully to global efforts.

Disclaimer: This article is based on officially reported information and current developments regarding India’s cheetah reintroduction project. All efforts have been made to provide accurate and trustworthy information.