Bhopal: Kuno National Park has released a heartwarming short film on the occasion of Mother’s Day, showcasing the extraordinary journey of cheetah mothers and their cubs under India’s ambitious Project Cheetah.
The film highlights the struggles, maternal care and remarkable adaptability of female cheetahs that have played a central role in re-establishing the species in India. It also documents a major conservation milestone: 49 cubs have been born in the last three and a half years, taking India’s total cheetah population to 57.
A Tribute to the “Cheetah Mothers”
The short film was specially released by the Kuno National Park management as a tribute to the “cheetah mothers” whose efforts have been crucial to the success of Project Cheetah.
These female cheetahs not only adapted to Indian conditions after being translocated from Africa but also successfully raised cubs and taught them essential survival skills such as:
- Hunting
- Territory navigation
- Self-defense
The film offers a moving glimpse into the challenges faced by mothers and cubs in establishing a new wild population in India.
49 Cubs Born, 37 Currently Healthy and Safe
Under Project Cheetah:
- Total cubs born: 49
- Cubs currently healthy and safe: 37
- Total cheetah population in India: 57
Of the six adult female cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa, five have successfully reproduced.
Additionally, two female cheetahs born in India have also given birth, marking the arrival of second-generation (F2) cubs.
Second-Generation Cubs Signal Self-Sustaining Population
The birth of F2 cubs is considered a major achievement because it indicates that the cheetah population in India is gradually becoming self-sustaining.
Officials say the introduction of cheetahs from different African regions has increased genetic diversity and reduced the risk of inbreeding.
Cheetahs Now Spread Across 5,000 Square Kilometres
The reintroduced cheetahs have now established their presence across nearly 5,000 square kilometres, covering:
- Sheopur
- Gwalior
- Morena
- Parts of Rajasthan
At present, 15 cheetahs are roaming freely in the open wilderness.
Plans Underway to Establish New Cheetah Territories
Kuno authorities are now preparing to expand the programme to new habitats, where mixed groups of cheetahs from South Africa, Namibia and India will be introduced.
The move is expected to further strengthen India’s long-term cheetah conservation efforts.
Project Director Uttam Kumar Sharma Praises Team Effort
Uttam Kumar Sharma said the Kuno Cheetah Project is setting new benchmarks in wildlife conservation.
He noted that the imported cheetahs have successfully adapted to Indian forests and, by producing a new generation, have ensured the project’s success.
Sharma also acknowledged the dedication of field staff, veterinarians and forest officials whose round-the-clock monitoring has made the milestone possible.
