The Return of the Cheetah to Indian Soil
In 1952, the Asiatic Cheetah was officially declared extinct in India due to overhunting and habitat loss. Exactly seven decades later, in September 2022, a historic conservation project made headlines around the globe: the reintroduction of wild African Cheetahs to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Why Kuno National Park?
Kuno was selected after a rigorous assessment of various sanctuaries in India. Its landscape closely resembles the dry deciduous forests and open grassy savannas of Southern Africa. Spanning 748 sq km, Kuno features:
- Large grasslands suitable for cheetahs to chase prey
- Abundant prey base (Chinkara, Spotted Deer, and Nilgai)
- Low human footprint and minimal conflict zones
The Current Status & Sighting Potential
Under Project Cheetah, translocated cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were released into specialized acclimation enclosures before entering the wild. Multiple cubs have since been born on Indian soil, representing a monumental milestone in global wildlife conservation.
Safaris in Kuno offer a unique savanna experience. While cheetah sightings are regulated based on breeding and monitoring conditions, visiting Kuno is a chance to support a historic ecological restoration experiment.
