A Namibian cheetah at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, recently gave birth to three cubs, following the birth of three cubs by another feline. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the joyful news, stating, “Kuno’s new cubs! Namibian cheetah Jwala has delivered three cubs, just weeks after Aasha’s birth.” Expressing congratulations to wildlife warriors, Yadav wished for the thriving of India’s wildlife.
Earlier, on January 3, Kuno National Park reported that Namibian cheetah Aasha had given birth to three cubs. Jwala (Namibian name Siyaya) had previously birthed four cubs in March, but only one survived.
Both Jwala and Aasha were part of the cheetah translocation from Namibia under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Project Cheetah, aiming to reintroduce the species that had gone extinct in independent India. The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived in India in September 2022, followed by a second batch of 12 from South Africa in February.
Despite the conservation efforts, the project faced criticism due to the deaths of seven out of the 20 imported cheetahs. Challenges included unexpected winter coats in the Indian summer, leading to itching and health issues. Three cheetahs succumbed to bacterial infections and septicemia.
The successful births signify progress in cheetah conservation, with hopes for a thriving population in India. The project emphasizes the delicate balance required for translocated species, addressing challenges to ensure the well-being of the cheetahs in their new habitat.
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