India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme recorded steady progress in 2025, with Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park witnessing the birth of 12 cubs during the year. Despite the loss of three cubs, the total cheetah population in the country has now reached 30, signalling growing stability for the species after its extinction in India nearly 70 years ago.
During the year, six cheetahs, including three cubs, died due to various causes. Three female cheetahs contributed to the latest births, while one adult cheetah brought from Namibia and two sub-adults also died in 2025.
India’s cheetah population was established through the translocation of eight cheetahs from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Of the current population, 27 cheetahs remain at Kuno National Park, while three have been moved to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is expected to become the species’ third habitat in the country.
With 19 cubs now born on Indian soil, the programme has added 10 cheetahs over three years. India is also set to receive eight more cheetahs from Botswana, further strengthening the conservation effort.
