Gamini Gives Birth to Three Cubs at Kuno, India’s Cheetah Count Rises to 38

A South African cheetah named Gamini has given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, increasing India’s total cheetah population to 38. Sharing the update on social media, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that the number of surviving Indian-born cheetah cubs has now reached 27. With this development, the ninth successful cheetah litter has been recorded on Indian soil.

Second Litter for Gamini

The Minister informed that Gamini has become a mother for the second time. The birth of the cubs coincides with the completion of three years since cheetahs were reintroduced to India from South Africa. He stated that each successful birth strengthens Project Cheetah and marks a significant milestone in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.

Historic Wildlife Translocation

Project Cheetah is considered the world’s first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore.

• In 2022–23, 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were brought to India.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally released the first eight cheetahs on 17 September 2022 at Kuno National Park.
• The project aims to restore the cheetah population in India, where the species was declared extinct in 1952.

A Major Conservation Milestone

The latest birth reflects steady progress in India’s efforts to establish a sustainable cheetah population. Wildlife experts believe that consistent breeding success is essential for the long-term survival of the species in Indian habitats.

MCQs: Project Cheetah & Kuno National Park

Q1. Which cheetah recently gave birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park?
(a) Sasha
(b) Aasha
(c) Gamini
(d) Siyaya
(e) Nirva

Ans: (c)
Sol: Gamini, a South African cheetah, gave birth to three cubs.

Q2. With the birth of the three cubs, India’s total cheetah population has reached:
(a) 32
(b) 34
(c) 36
(d) 38
(e) 40

Ans: (d)
Sol: The total cheetah population has increased to 38.

Q3. How many surviving Indian-born cheetah cubs are there now?
(a) 24
(b) 25
(c) 26
(d) 27
(e) 28

Ans: (d)
Sol: The number of surviving Indian-born cubs has reached 27.

Q4. Project Cheetah involved bringing cheetahs from which countries?
(a) Kenya and Tanzania
(b) Namibia and South Africa
(c) Botswana and Zimbabwe
(d) Ethiopia and Sudan
(e) Brazil and Argentina

Ans: (b)
Sol: 20 cheetahs were brought from Namibia and South Africa.

Q5. The first eight cheetahs were released in India on:
(a) 15 August 2022
(b) 2 October 2022
(c) 17 September 2022
(d) 26 January 2023
(e) 5 June 2022

Ans: (c)
Sol: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first eight cheetahs on 17 September 2022.