An India‑born cheetah gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district on Monday, October 5, 2026, a milestone that brings the country’s total big‑cat population to 60, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced.
The mother, KJP21, is a product of India’s cheetah breeding program, while the father was imported from Botswana. The birth marks the start of a Botswana genetic lineage in India, adding diversity to the growing population, the government said.
Chief Minister Yadav praised veterinarians, forest officials, field staff and the Project Cheetah management team for their dedication and tireless work, noting that the restoration effort is progressing steadily.
KJP21 is the third female cheetah born in India, following Mukhi and KGP12. She delivered five healthy cubs, bringing the number of cheetahs born on Indian soil to 41.
Project Cheetah, now in its fourth year, celebrates this achievement as part of its ongoing scientific management, monitoring and conservation work in Kuno National Park, the statement added.
