An India-born cheetah has given birth to five cubs in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district, taking the total number of big cats in the country to 60, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday (October 5, 2026).
Congratulating veterinarians, forest officials, field staff, and the management team associated with Project Cheetah, Mr. “KJP21, a female cheetah born in India, has given birth to five healthy cubs. Their birth has sparked an outpouring of joy in the area. KJP21 is the third female cheetah born in India, after Mukhi and KGP12, a statement issued by Mr.
With this, the total number of cheetahs in India has now increased to 60, including 41 born on Indian soil,” Mr.
The father is a cheetah brought from Botswana, and the birth of these cubs marks the beginning of the Botswana lineage in India, adding a new genetic lineage to the country’s growing cheetah population, a government statement said. Yadav said their dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts were continuously progressing the cheetah restoration journey in India. Yadav said. “The birth of another generation of cheetahs on Indian soil marks another glorious chapter in the remarkable journey of Project Cheetah,” a statement said. This achievement underscores the ongoing scientific management, monitoring, and conservation efforts for cheetah conservation in the Kuno National Park, the statement said.

