Gamini, a South African female cheetah, whose four cubs (two males and two females, age 12 months) have been successfully released in the Khajuri Forest area of ​​KNP in the Shepur district, said other chief conservator of Uttam Kumar Sharma.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the development a “important day” for the cheetah project and wildlife conservation.
Yadav said the translocation of cheetahs from South Africa to Madhya Pradesh is also an important project in terms of biodiversity not only for India but also for Asia.
The Chief Minister said the increase in the number of cheetahs in the KNP region will encourage tourism activities, create jobs and strengthen the overall economy of the Chambal region.
In a message to the media, he said it was lucky to choose Kuno (Sheopur) for the intercontinental program in the state. He praised the National Forest Department for its dedication and hard work in the successful implementation of the Cheetah Project. “Gamini and all four cubs are healthy. This forest area is part of the Ahera tourist area,” said Uttam Kumar Sharma, chief conservation officer of the forest.
According to the Forest Department’s assessment, the presence of cheetahs in the tourist area will provide visitors with an opportunity to spot cats during a safari ride.
“After Gamini and her four little bears, there are now 17 cheetahs in the wild in Kuno National Park (including 11 cubs born on Indian soil). All cheetahs are healthy and in good condition in the wild,” the release said.
According to officials, Mine gave birth to six cubs in the first garbage on March 10, 2024. However, in the following months, two of the bears died.
On February 21 this year, Cheetah Jwala and her four cubs were released into the wild of KNP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought to KNP from Namibia on September 17, 2022 to launch a historic release of eight cheetahs (five women and three men).
This marked the first intercontinental translocation of Big Cats.
In February 2023, another 12 cheetahs were transferred from South Africa to KNP.
The total number of cheetahs in KNP is now 26, including 14 pups born on Indian soil. The ambitious project is part of India’s efforts to restore the cheetah population and enhance the tourism industry of wildlife in the region.
