Union Minister Bhupender Yadav took to social media platform X to share heartening news from Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park. He excitedly announced that a female Cheetah named 'Gamini' had given birth to five adorable cubs, marking a significant addition to India's big cat population. With this joyful arrival, the total count of big cats in the country surged to 26, a noteworthy milestone in wildlife conservation efforts.
In his enthusiastic post, Minister Yadav emphasized the remarkable journey of 'Gamini', who was brought from the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in South Africa. At just five years old, 'Gamini' has become a proud mother, contributing to the expansion of the cheetah population in India. The minister highlighted that this joyous occasion marked the thirteenth cheetah birth in the country, showcasing the progress made in fostering a conducive environment for these majestic creatures.
This momentous event also holds historical significance as it marks the first litter of cheetahs brought from South Africa to Indian soil. Minister Yadav reminisced about past achievements, recalling the births of cheetah cubs like 'Jwala' (Siyaya) and 'Aasha', which further enriched the cheetah population in the region.
Expressing gratitude to the dedicated team of forest officers, veterinarians, and field staff, Minister Yadav acknowledged their tireless efforts in providing a stress-free environment for the cheetahs, facilitating successful mating and childbirth. He celebrated the teamwork and commitment that led to the birth of 'Gamini's' adorable cubs, emphasizing the legacy she continues to build in Kuno National Park.
'Gamini' is part of a group of cheetahs brought to India from South Africa under the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project initiated in 2022. This project aimed to reintroduce cheetahs into their native habitat, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts. Since its inception, the project has witnessed significant progress, with the successful introduction of several cheetahs into the park.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including the loss of some cheetahs, Minister Yadav remains optimistic about the future of cheetah conservation in India. Presently, the cheetah population in Kuno National Park comprises seven females, six males, and 13 cubs, reflecting a promising outlook for the species' survival and proliferation in the region.
