Madhya Pradesh: South African Cheetah Gives Birth 5 Cubs in KNP: Exciting news emerges from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur as South African Cheetah 'Gamini' gives birth to five adorable cubs. The announcement came from Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Sunday.
With this new addition, the count of Indian-born Cheetah cubs rises to 13, marking a significant milestone. Minister Yadav expressed his delight, stating, "High Five, Kuno! Female cheetah Gamini, aged about 5 years, brought from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa, has given birth to 5 cubs today. This takes the tally of the Indian-born cubs to 13. This is the fourth cheetah litter on Indian soil and the first litter of cheetahs brought from South Africa."
He extended his appreciation to the dedicated officers and staff at Kuno National Park for providing a stress-free environment conducive to the cheetahs' well-being. "Congratulations to all, especially the team of forest officers, vets, and field staff who have ensured a stress-free environment for cheetahs, which has led to successful mating and birth of the cubs. The total number of cheetahs, including cubs in Kuno National Park, is 26. Gamini's legacy leaps forward: Introducing her adorable cubs!" Minister Yadav exclaimed.
Earlier this year in January, Namibian Cheetah 'Jwala' also gave birth to four cubs at Kuno National Park, further enriching the park's biodiversity.
Cheetahs, once declared extinct in India in 1952, are now being reintroduced through the ambitious Project Cheetah initiated in 2022. Under this project, eight cheetahs were brought from Namibia in 2022, followed by the translocation of twelve cheetahs from South Africa to Kuno National Park in February 2023.
However, amidst the successes, challenges remain evident. A cheetah translocated from Namibia sadly passed away at Kuno National Park in January this year. Since March 2023, seven adult cheetahs and three cubs born in India have also succumbed, indicating the ongoing efforts needed to ensure the survival and thriving of these majestic creatures in their new habitat.
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