After Kenya, South Africa appears to have hit a pause button on sending more cheetahs to India until a fresh review on health conditions of those previously sent, according to reports.
Around 20 cheetahs were brought to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park after India launched the ambitious reintroduction project for the species declared extinct in the country. Eight cheetahs were sent by Namibia in September 2022 and 12 were brought from South Africa in February 2023.
Reports quoting officials said a team, which included National Tiger Conservation Authority official, also visited South Africa for discussions, highlighting the success of Project Cheetah, on how the big cats were adapting to Kuno, coexisting with animals, including leopards, and also human populations since release of those in the wild.
The panel also explained reasons behind the deaths of cheetahs in the year of introduction
Amid conservationists questioning the project, India re‑introduced around 20 African cheetahs (from Namibia and South Africa) to Kuno National Park starting September 2022. However, around nine to 10 cheetahs had died, including both adults and cubs, due to various reasons.
Seven deaths (including three cubs born in India) occurred within enclosures at Kuno National Park. By January 2024, total deaths reached 10 due to various causes like chronic illness, mating-related injuries, septicaemia from maggot infections around radio collars, and heat stress. Around July 2025, at least one recent death was confirmed — an adult female named Nabha. Currently the cheetah population is around 26, including surviving adults and cubs.
Officials say that though initial losses were significant, the project saw the birth of cubs with active efforts to stabilise surviving animals and that India plans to continue importing more cheetahs and expand to additional parts. For the delay in doing so, they cite other reasons
India is working on diplomatic channels with Botswana, South Africa and Kenya but talks with South Africa were delayed after the formation of a new political coalition there last year. Botswana has committed to four cheetahs and discussions are underway. As far as Kenya is concerned negotiations with it are for long-term collaboration, as per reports
Meanwhile experts have recommended enhanced veterinary care, better habitat planning and experts’ intervention to reduce mortality.
