Namibian female cheetah Jwala gave birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district on March 9, 2026, a development that has raised India’s cheetah population to 53 and delivered a major boost to Project Cheetah. Forest officials said the mother and all newborns are healthy and active, and are being closely monitored by veterinarians and wildlife staff through CCTV and regular field checks.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav shared the news on social media on Monday, calling the births a historic achievement for Project Cheetah and noting that Jwala has adapted well since her arrival in Kuno. Jwala, earlier known as Siyaya, was one of eight cheetahs airlifted from Namibia and released in Kuno by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022 as part of India’s effort to reintroduce the species after more than seven decades.
This is the third time Jwala has produced cubs in India. She gave birth to four cubs in March 2023-of which only one survived-and later delivered three cubs in January 2024. Wildlife authorities credited improved on-ground care, veterinary support and habitat monitoring for the higher survival rates seen in recent litters.
Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav hailed the five new cubs as the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil. With these additions, officials say the total number of healthy cubs born under Project Cheetah has reached 33, underscoring steady progress in the conservation programme.
Kuno National Park, the focal site for India’s cheetah revival, has seen several encouraging births in recent months. Earlier in the year, female cheetah Asha gave birth to five cubs and Gamini delivered three, expanding the next generation of cheetahs born in India.
Officials report Kuno now hosts about 50 cheetahs, adults and cubs combined, while three cheetahs are currently roaming in the Gandhi Sagar landscape in Mandsaur district. Wildlife teams said the latest litter reinforces the importance of sustained veterinary care, habitat management and field monitoring to secure a viable future for cheetahs in India.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/cheetah-count-hits-53-after-jwala-gives-birth-to-5-cubs-in-madhya-pradeshs-kuno-11192133#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2026-03-10 00:15:00
