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India’s ambitious wildlife restoration programme, Project Cheetah, has recorded major progress nearly four years after the reintroduction of the species into the country. A high-level review meeting chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on May 19, 2026, assessed the status of the project and future expansion plans ahead of the International Big Cat Alliance Summit 2026.

India’s Cheetah Population Grows To 53

Project Cheetah was launched to reintroduce cheetahs into India after the species became extinct in the country decades ago. The initiative began with the relocation of 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. Later, nine more cheetahs were brought from Botswana under international conservation cooperation programmes.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India’s current cheetah population has reached 53. Out of these, 33 cheetahs were born in India. Officials said the growth reflects successful adaptation and breeding under Indian environmental conditions.

Scientific monitoring teams reported that survival rates of both relocated cheetahs and cubs are matching or exceeding global conservation benchmarks. Experts also noted stable movement patterns, healthy prey use and no major physiological stress among the animals.

Kuno National Park Remains Central To Project

Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh continues to serve as the primary habitat under the programme. Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary has also been prepared to support future expansion of the cheetah population. Authorities are working on a larger landscape strategy to allow safe dispersal and genetic exchange between habitats.

Preparations are also progressing in Gujarat’s Banni grasslands, where habitat improvement and prey population measures have reportedly reached satisfactory levels.