Are There Cheetahs In India? Exploring Indias Elusive Big Cats

As of 2023, India is home to a growing population of cheetahs, marking a significant conservation success story. The cheetah, previously declared extinct in India, has been successfully reintroduced through the Central government’s ambitious initiative known as “Project Cheetah.” This project has seen the introduction of 12 South African cheetahs into the Kuno National Park, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. This remarkable endeavor began on July 13, 2023, and aims to reestablish a sustainable population of cheetahs in India, contributing to the conservation of this magnificent species in its native habitat. Currently, there are a total of twenty cheetahs in India, representing a promising step forward in the restoration of this iconic big cat to the country’s wildlife landscape.

Cheetahs have made a remarkable return to India after a 70-year absence, all thanks to the government-led initiative known as Project Cheetah. This ambitious reintroduction plan aims to reestablish cheetah populations in India. However, the success of this endeavor remains a topic of debate among big cat experts. Since the first cheetahs were reintroduced in September of 2022, Project Cheetah has experienced a mix of outcomes, with some challenges and uncertainties. As of July 20th, 2023, the situation continues to evolve, and opinions on the project’s effectiveness vary within the conservation community.