Botswana’s Big Cats Set to Make a Purr-fect Landing in India

India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction scheme is moving to the next level with eight Botswana cheetahs in two batches, and the first four in May 2025. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has certified the plan at a high-level review meeting led by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Over ₹112 crore has been invested in the project up to date, with 67% being utilized for cheetah rehabilitation in Madhya Pradesh. The additional additions will follow on from the already 26 cheetahs in Kuno National Park, where breeding has already produced multiple cubs. There are also proposals to establish cheetah habitats to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, a major move to bring the species back to Indian landscapes after decades of withdrawal. Specially trained "cheetah mitras" are being equipped to help this conservation process

 

Source: Hindustan Times, Economic Times