India marked a significant moment in wildlife conservation with the successful reintroduction of cheetahs, nearly seven decades after the species disappeared from the country. Project Cheetah, launched three years ago, aims to restore cheetahs to suitable habitats and revive ecosystems where they once thrived, reinforcing India’s commitment to biodiversity preservation.
The initiative saw the arrival of twenty African cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa in 2023. Today, India hosts a population of 32 cheetahs, including 21 born in the country, primarily at Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. The project not only contributes to ecological restoration but also opens avenues for cheetah-focused wildlife tourism, highlighting India’s growing role in global conservation efforts.
Despite this progress, the global cheetah population remains fragile, with only about 7,100 individuals left in the wild and 92% of their historical range lost. India’s reintroduction program underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the species and strengthen habitats for long-term sustainability.
