The return of cheetahs to India marks a significant moment in conservation. This project aims to re-establish a population of these swift predators in a landscape where they have been absent for decades. The initiative represents a commitment to restoring lost biodiversity and ecological balance within India’s natural heritage. This endeavor is a complex undertaking, observed by scientists and conservationists.
India’s Extinct Cheetahs
Cheetahs once roamed across India, with their historical range extending from the west of Bengal to Afghanistan and Iran, and from Punjab to northern Tamil Nadu. The Asiatic cheetah, a distinct subspecies, inhabited diverse habitats including arid lands, scrublands, and bushlands. Cave paintings dating back to 2500-2300 BCE in Madhya Pradesh provide early evidence of their presence, and the name “cheetah” itself derives from the Sanskrit word “chitrak,” meaning “the spotted one.”
The decline of the Asiatic cheetah in India was a gradual process, primarily driven by overhunting. Mughal emperors, such as Akbar, kept thousands of cheetahs for hunting, further depleting wild populations. British colonial rule intensified this pressure by offering bounties for killing cheetahs, viewing them as threats to livestock and game. This, combined with significant habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and a reduction in their prey base, pushed the species towards extinction. The last known Asiatic cheetahs in India were reportedly shot in 1947, and the species was officially declared extinct in India in 1952.
The Reintroduction Project
India’s “Project Cheetah” aims to restore the cheetah to its former range. The project’s rationale centers on restoring ecological balance and enhancing biodiversity by bringing back a top predator. Cheetahs regulate herbivore populations and can serve as a flagship species for the conservation of grasslands and open forest ecosystems.
The project involves translocating African cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa, as the Asiatic cheetah population in Iran is low. An initial eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia in September 2022, followed by twelve more from South Africa in February 2023. Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was selected as the primary reintroduction site, chosen for its suitable habitat, prey availability, and climatic conditions similar to those in South Africa and Namibia.
The planning and execution of Project Cheetah involve governmental bodies like the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). International organizations, such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), have also provided expertise in site assessments, training, and preparing the cheetahs for their intercontinental journey. The project initially aimed to introduce 10-12 young cheetahs as founder stock, with a goal of bringing 50 African cheetahs within five years to establish a self-sustaining population.
Current Status of Reintroduced Cheetahs
The reintroduced cheetahs at Kuno National Park have undergone an adaptation process. Initial acclimatization involved a mandatory quarantine period, followed by transfers to larger enclosures to help them adjust to their new environment. As of May 2025, Kuno National Park is home to 31 cheetahs, including 19 cubs born in India. This indicates that breeding has occurred within the reintroduced population.
However, the project has faced setbacks, including mortalities among the translocated cheetahs. Nine out of the original 20 imported cheetahs, including three cubs, died within the first year. Causes of death have included natural factors, such as health issues and challenges adjusting to new prey dynamics. Experts indicate that mortality is expected during the initial phase of reintroduction, with global experiences suggesting over 50% mortality.
Currently, the surviving adult cheetahs are mostly held in enclosures for close monitoring. This measure was taken after some deaths in 2023, partly due to septicaemia during the monsoon season. Concerns regarding Kuno National Park’s carrying capacity, estimated at around 21-27 cheetahs, have also led to discussions about relocating some cheetahs to alternative sites like Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary to provide more space.
Beyond the Cheetahs
The cheetah reintroduction project extends beyond establishing a new population. Its broader significance lies in its contribution to biodiversity conservation in India. The reintroduction aims to revitalize grassland and open forest ecosystems. These habitats support a variety of other endangered species, including the caracal, Indian wolf, and various bustard species, which are expected to benefit from the conservation efforts initiated for cheetahs.
The project also serves as a model for large carnivore reintroduction globally, providing valuable insights into species restoration and ecosystem management. Lessons learned from the challenges and successes in India can inform future conservation initiatives worldwide. The reintroduction of cheetahs can also boost ecotourism, generating economic opportunities for local communities and raising awareness about wildlife conservation. This undertaking highlights India’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.