In a historic gesture of wildlife cooperation, Botswana formally handed over eight cheetahs to President Droupadi Murmu during her state visit. This symbolic ceremony, held at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, marks a significant step forward in India’s ongoing Project Cheetah—a mission to reintroduce the species after it went extinct in the country over seven decades ago.
With this addition, India’s cheetah count is expected to reach 35, giving fresh momentum to one of the world’s most ambitious wildlife reintroduction programmes.
The Symbolic Handover in Botswana
The handover ceremony took place in the presence of conservation officials, wildlife experts, and dignitaries from both countries. President Droupadi Murmu expressed gratitude for Botswana’s invaluable support, highlighting the growing partnership between India and African nations in biodiversity preservation.
The eight cheetahs showcased during the ceremony represent a mix of young and mature individuals, selected based on health, adaptability, and genetic diversity. They will soon be transported to India once formal quarantine protocols are completed.
Project Cheetah: India’s Most Ambitious Wildlife Mission
Launched to revive India’s extinct cheetah population, Project Cheetah focuses on:
- Restoring the ecological balance in grassland ecosystems
- Boosting biodiversity in protected areas
- Promoting scientific conservation, breeding, and habitat management
- Strengthening global partnerships in wildlife translocation and genetic exchange
India first reintroduced cheetahs in 2022 from Namibia and later from South Africa, marking the start of a new era in large carnivore conservation. The project has already seen successful breeding, with several cubs born on Indian soil.
With Botswana’s contribution, the initiative enters a new phase of genetic strengthening and population growth.
From Botswana to Kuno: The Journey Ahead
Before the cheetahs can begin their new life in India, they must undergo:
1. Mandatory Quarantine
The animals will stay in Botswana for a few weeks under strict veterinary surveillance to ensure they are disease-free and fit for translocation.
2. Specialised Air Transport
Once cleared, a dedicated aircraft equipped for wildlife movement will carry the cheetahs to India, accompanied by veterinary teams and trained handlers.
3. Acclimatisation at Kuno National Park
On arrival, they will be moved to quarantine enclosures within Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where their behaviour, health, and adaptation will be closely monitored before release into larger habitats.
Why Kuno National Park?
Kuno is one of India’s most carefully prepared wildlife parks for large carnivore introductions, offering:
- Vast grassland habitats
- Prey-rich ecosystems
- Minimal human interference
- Scientific monitoring systems
- Experienced forest and veterinary teams
Over the last two years, Kuno has developed infrastructure specifically for cheetah survival, making it the heart of Project Cheetah.
The Bigger Picture: Successes and Learnings
India’s cheetah project has seen both promising achievements and important lessons.
Successes:
- Birth of cheetah cubs in India
- Stable adaptation of several translocated individuals
- Strengthened India–Africa conservation partnerships
Challenges:
- Managing fatalities due to illness, territorial behaviour, and climate
- Ensuring long-term genetic diversity
- Maintaining sufficient prey density and habitat space
The addition of these eight cheetahs helps address concerns about genetic diversity and strengthens the population base.
Diplomatic and Ecological Significance
This initiative reflects more than wildlife diplomacy. It underscores:
- India’s commitment to global biodiversity goals
- Botswana’s leadership in cheetah conservation
- The value of international collaboration in restoring endangered species
- A renewed global focus on restoring lost megafauna
The handover also strengthens India’s ties with African nations, reinforcing cooperation in the environment, science, and ecological preservation.
What’s Next for Project Cheetah?
Over the coming months, India will:
- Complete the cheetahs’ import and quarantine process
- Integrate them into Kuno’s enclosures
- Begin the next phase of monitoring and scientific study
- Expand the project to additional reserves in the future
With the arrival of these eight cheetahs, India moves a step closer to establishing a self-sustaining cheetah population, ensuring that the species not only survives—but thrives.
