Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, a development hailed as a decisive breakthrough in India’s cheetah restoration programme. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the birth as a “historic milestone”, confirming on Thursday that “the mother and cubs are doing well”.
“A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The mother and cubs are doing well,” Yadav said in a post on X. Calling the development “unprecedented”, he maintained that Mukhi, at 33 months of age, has become the first India-born cheetah to reproduce.
Mukhi was part of the first litter born in India in March 2023, when Namibian cheetah Jwala delivered four cubs in Kuno. Only one of them, Mukhi,survived the harsh summer and early health complications, becoming a symbol of resilience for Project Cheetah. Officials had noted that the cub adapted swiftly to Indian conditions, transitioned well to hunting, and maintained strong health indicators as she matured.
Also read: Female cheetah Dheera relocated from Kuno to MP sanctuary
Other India-born cheetahs have had mixed fates. The survival rate among the earliest litters was low, with several cubs succumbing to extreme heat and frailty. However, more recent births and improved monitoring have strengthened survival outcomes, and another set of cubs born earlier this year continue to remain under close supervision.
Yadav said, “The successful reproduction of an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species’ adaptation, health, and long-term prospects in Indian habitats.” The development, he added, enhances hopes of eventually establishing a genetically diverse and self-sustaining population.
“This significant step forward strengthens optimism about establishing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in India, further advancing the nation’s conservation goals,” he said.
Cheetahs were reintroduced to India in September 2022, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight Namibian cheetahs, five females and three males, into Kuno National Park, marking the first intercontinental relocation of big cats. More introductions from South Africa followed, expanding the project’s breeding base.
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