India Celebrates the Birth of Four Cheetah Cubs After 70 Years of Extinction

India has welcomed the birth of four cheetah cubs at Kuno National Park, marking a historic moment in the country’s wildlife conservation efforts. This news comes decades after cheetahs were declared extinct in India due to habitat loss and hunting. The birth of these four cubs brings hope for the reintroduction of the fast cats in the country.

The Arrival of Cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa

Last year, eight cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park from Namibia as part of an ambitious plan to introduce the species to India after 70 years. One more cheetah from Namibia is expected to deliver soon, according to Indian media reports. In February this year, twelve more cheetahs were brought to India from South Africa to further strengthen efforts towards conserving the species.

The Birth of Four Cheetah Cubs

The Union Environment Minister, Bhupendra Yadav, announced the birth of four cheetah cubs at Kuno National Park, which were born naturally to a cheetah named Siyaya who was translocated to Kuno in September 2022. It’s a good sign that Siyaya gave birth naturally and successfully mated, indicating their successful adaptation to conditions in India.

Positive Sign Towards Wildlife Conservation

The Forest Department is taking proper care of Siyaya and her cubs. These four cubs are a positive sign that intercontinental translocation of cheetahs can be done successfully without any negative impact on their well-being. Furthermore, this event is momentous for India’s wildlife conservation, as there are now plans to re-home 50 more cheetahs in India over the next five years.

The Return of the Fast Cats

The reintroduction of cheetahs to India is an initiative under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He even welcomed the arrival of the eight Namibian cheetahs, saying, “Today the cheetah has returned to the soil of India.” This project is a milestone in India’s history towards wildlife preservation and sustainable development.

A Global Concern

According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild globally. The cheetah is listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Therefore, the successful reintroduction of cheetahs in India is not only a significant milestone for the country but also a global concern.

India’s efforts towards wildlife conservation and sustainable development are commendable. After decades of extinction, the birth of four cheetah cubs marks the beginning of a new chapter for cheetahs in India. It is a step towards combating biodiversity loss and conserving endangered species.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons