Archive · 28 Jul 2025
India Works to Import More Cheetahs from Africa for Conservation
India is trying to bring more cheetahs from Africa to live in India.
They've been talking to countries like Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya.
While Botswana has promised some cheetahs, talks with South Africa are slower because of government changes there.
India already has some cheetahs, brought from Namibia and South Africa before.
Officials are still working to bring more cheetahs to India.
There are discussions happening with various countries to find more cheetahs to add to the current population.
The government is trying to figure out the best way to do this, including where the new cheetahs will live.
India is working on diplomatic channels to bring more cheetahs from Africa.
Negotiations with South Africa have slowed due to government changes; Botswana has committed to sending four cheetahs.
20 cheetahs were previously brought to India, eight from Namibia and twelve from South Africa.
Eight cheetahs were planned to arrive from Botswana by May, but this has not happened.
The Cheetah Project Steering Committee is exploring multiple countries for cheetah sourcing.
- Who
- The Indian government, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and the Cheetah Project Steering Committee are involved.
- What
- India is working to bring more cheetahs to India from African countries.
- When
- Negotiations have been ongoing for approximately two years. Specific dates mentioned include December 13, 2023, and February 19, 2024.
- Where
- Discussions are with Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya. The cheetahs are brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, with plans to also use Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Why
- To replenish the cheetah population in India.
Delays in Cheetah Translocation
Progress in Cheetah Population
Government Changes
Delays in Cheetah Translocation
Negotiations with South Africa are delayed.
Progress in Cheetah Population
Not applicable.
- Source Countries
- Botswana, South Africa, Kenya
- Previous Arrivals
- 20 cheetahs (Namibia and South Africa)
- Location in India
- Kuno National Park, Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Current Cheetah Population (Kuno)
- 26
- Cheetah Cub Births in India
- 17