Indian-born Cheetah Mukhi Gives Birth to Five Cubs at Kuno

GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 20th Nov: Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, marking a crucial breakthrough in India’s efforts to re-establish the species in its natural habitat, officials announced on Thursday.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the development as an unprecedented moment for Project Cheetah. In a post on X, he said, “A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs… The mother and cubs are doing well.” Mukhi, the first female cheetah born in India after the big cat’s reintroduction, has now become the first to successfully reproduce.

Calling the event a positive sign for conservation, Yadav said the successful reproduction of an Indian-born cheetah reflects strong adaptation, health and the long-term prospects of the species in Indian habitats. It boosts confidence in creating a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in the country, he added.

Cheetahs were declared extinct in India decades ago. On September 17, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs brought from Namibia into Kuno, marking the world’s first intercontinental translocation of the species.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav termed the new births as a “significant development” that reinforces optimism around the ambitious conservation strategy. He noted it was the first known instance in recent history of an Indian-born cheetah reproducing successfully, saying it reflects strong signs of adaptation and long-term viability of the species in India.

Officials say the development strengthens hopes of ensuring that the spotted cats, once native to the subcontinent, will thrive again on Indian soil.