Project Cheetah Roars to New Heights: India’s Big Cat Population Reaches 53, Including 33 Indian-Born Cubs

How the Cheetah Population Build-Up Happened

Since the project began, the cheetah count has steadily grown. The new litter from Jwala marked the moment India’s cheetah population overtook the half-century mark for the first time. By early 2026, the number had risen to around 38 individuals. Over the project’s timeline,  39 cubs have been born in Kuno in total , with 27 surviving, reflecting steady progress with breeding success and adaptation.

This matters because the cheetahs started breeding within one year of reintroduction — a clear sign they are adapting well to Indian conditions. Females have now delivered multiple litters, and breeding cycles have tuned in to local weather conditions, which boosts the survival chances of the next generation.

Current Cheetah Distribution

Key Update: Cheetah Movement Between States

Cheetahs are already showing they can move across landscapes. As of early May 2026, two cheetahs of the first generation born in Kuno began moving across the state line into  Rajasthan . The first cheetah crossed into Karauli district on 2 May, and the second followed two days later. Officials confirmed their movements are natural and no intervention is planned.

The Project Cheetah Action Plan explicitly anticipates and provides for inter-state movement within the  Kuno–Gandhi Sagar metapopulation landscape , so this is perfectly normal.

Expansion Beyond Kuno: New Homes for Cheetahs

Kuno National Park will remain the core hub, but new sites are being readied to spread the population.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

The  first expansion  started with three cheetahs — one female and two males — moved to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district as part of the broader plan. As of May 2026, Gandhi Sagar now has three cheetahs, all of which are living free within the sanctuary.

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Nauradehi is now set to become  India’s third cheetah habitat . The Rani Durgavati landscape, which now includes Nauradehi, was formally approved as a cheetah reintroduction site, joining Kuno and Gandhi Sagar. Preparations are underway.

Banni Grasslands, Gujarat

Gujarat’s Banni grasslands are also under active consideration, potentially becoming  India’s first cheetah conservation breeding centre . A large facility covering around 500 hectares has been designed