Kuno: Indian-born cheetah KJP21 delivers five cubs; count hits 60
Why in the news
On 5 October 2026 KJP21, a cheetah born in India, delivered five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, a new milestone for Project Cheetah.
Key facts
- Mother: KJP21, an Indian-born female aged 32 months.
- Litter: five healthy cubs.
- Population: India’s cheetah count is now 60, including 41 born in India.
- Third breeding Indian-born female: after Mukhi and KGP12.
- Botswanan lineage: the cubs were sired by a male cheetah from Botswana, adding genetic diversity.
- Reaction: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called it a new generation of cheetahs born on Indian soil.
| Phase | Source country | Cheetahs |
|---|---|---|
| 17 September 2022 | Namibia | 8 (5 females, 3 males) |
| February 2023 | South Africa | 12 (5 females, 7 males) |
About Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah is India’s programme to bring the cheetah back after the species was declared extinct in the country in 1952. It was launched on 17 September 2022 at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, about 300 km from Kuno, is the next site for expansion.
Exam angle
- Cheetah count: 60 in total, 41 Indian-born.
- Indian-born breeding females in order: Mukhi, KGP12, KJP21.
- Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952; Project Cheetah started in 2022.