For the first time, a cheetah born in India has successfully reproduced on Indian soil. The 33-month-old Mukhi has now become the first female under Project Cheetah to give birth to five cubs, further strengthening the success of the conservation initiative.
Successful Breeding at Kuno; CM Extends Congratulations
Experts say this successful breeding is a strong indicator that cheetahs are adapting well to Indian habitats. Their health and behaviour have shown positive signs under natural conditions.
This development is a major step toward establishing a self-sustaining, stable, and genetically diverse cheetah population in India. It supports the nation's long-term wildlife conservation goals and enhances India's global standing in the field of conservation.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav shared the news on social media, congratulating the Kuno team and forest officials for this remarkable achievement.
India Now Has 32 Cheetahs; 29 in Kuno Alone
India currently has a total of 32 cheetahs 29 in Kuno National Park and 3 in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. This steady rise reflects the growing stability of the cheetah rehabilitation programme.
Mukhi, the daughter of Namibian cheetah Jwala (Siyaaya), has played a key role in this success. Her giving birth to five cubs not only increases the population but also establishes that India-born cheetahs are capable of successfully breeding in local climatic conditions. This is considered a turning point for India’s conservation efforts and strengthens hopes for the long-term future of cheetahs in the country.
Third Generation Better Adapted to Indian Climate
The birth of Mukhi’s five cubs represents a significant generational leap for Project Cheetah. If Jwala is considered the first (imported) generation, Mukhi is the second generation, and Mukhi’s cubs become the third generation of cheetahs in India.
According to Kuno officials, this third generation born to a mother who herself was born and raised in India will likely be better adapted to local climatic conditions. Their natural birth within Indian landscapes signals the growing success of the project and strengthens hopes for long-term cheetah survival in the country.
