Cheetahs in India reach 53 as Jwala gives birth to five cubs at Kuno
What happened
- Cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, the 10th successful litter on Indian soil; Indian-born surviving cubs rose to 33 and the total cheetah population to 53 [PIB].
Background
- Project Cheetah (2022) is the first intercontinental large-carnivore translocation, with cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.
Why it matters
- Breeding success is key to building a viable population.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-03-09): cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, the 10th successful litter on Indian soil; Indian-born surviving cubs rose to 33 and the total cheetah population to 53.
- Breeding success is key to building a viable population.
Quotable data pointCheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, the 10th successful litter on Indian soil.
PIB: MoEFCC: Cheetah count 53, 9 Mar 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: Kuno NP, Project Cheetah.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Total cheetahs in India
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Kuno NP is in
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Litter number on Indian soil
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerCITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Appendices I-III, How It Works in India and Issues (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerWestern Ghats: Extent, Formation, Rivers, Biodiversity Hotspot, Gadgil and Kasturirangan Reports and Conservation Issues (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: MoEFCC: Cheetah count 53, 9 Mar 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending