Cheetah Nirva Welcomes Five Cubs, Boosting Kuno National Park Population

A cheetah named Nirva has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh, according to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, marking a significant milestone for the region’s conservation efforts.

The addition of Nirva’s cubs brings the total number of cheetahs and cubs at KNP, located in Sheopur district, to 29. Earlier this month, two cheetahs from the park were relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. With this latest birth, the nationwide cheetah population, including cubs, now stands at 31.

In a post on X late Sunday, Yadav celebrated the growing cheetah population at KNP, stating, “The birth of five cubs to five-year-old Nirva is a joyful moment. These new arrivals highlight the success of the Cheetah Project and showcase India’s vibrant biodiversity.”

Yadav credited the thriving conservation efforts to the supportive environment fostered under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He extended congratulations to the KNP team, wildlife experts, and all partners dedicated to wildlife preservation for their role in this achievement.

On April 20, two South African cheetahs, Prabhash and Pavak, who were brought to Kuno over two years ago, were transferred to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, which covers Neemuch and Mandsaur districts.

KNP’s cheetah reintroduction program began on September 17, 2022, with the release of eight Namibian cheetahs five females and three males into the park, marking the world’s first intercontinental translocation of cheetahs. In February 2023, an additional 12 cheetahs arrived from South Africa. Prior to Nirva’s cubs, KNP housed 24 cheetahs, including 14 cubs born in India. Two of these cheetahs have since been moved to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.