Project Cheetah India advanced on Thursday as President Droupadi Murmu and Botswana’s President Duma Boko witnessed the symbolic handover of eight cheetahs at Mokolodi Nature Reserve. With fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left globally and Botswana hosting one of the largest populations, the transfer expands India’s reintroduction efforts across multiple sanctuaries.
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 14, 2025 — India and Botswana strengthened their conservation diplomacy today as Botswana formally handed over eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah India. President Droupadi Murmu and Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko witnessed the symbolic release at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, where the animals were placed in a joint quarantine facility managed by experts from both countries.
Botswana’s Donation Boosts Project Cheetah India
With the global cheetah population estimated at fewer than 7,000 individuals, the species remains one of the world’s most vulnerable big cats. Botswana serves as a major stronghold, with scientific estimates placing its cheetah population at around 1,500–1,700, among the largest in Africa.
The transfer of eight cheetahs is therefore seen as a significant reinforcement for Project Cheetah India, which aims to establish a genetically diverse, self-sustaining population within India’s protected landscapes.
India currently has a little over two dozen cheetahs, including both translocated animals and India-born cubs. As the programme enters a new phase, conservation officials emphasise the importance of locating cheetahs across multiple sites to build a healthy meta-population.
India’s Cheetah Sanctuaries Under Project Cheetah India
The heart of Project Cheetah India remains Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where the first batch of cheetahs was released in 2022. The park continues to host the core breeding population, supported by extensive radio-collar monitoring, veterinary supervision and habitat management.
To expand the programme, India has identified additional sanctuaries:
- Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh): Recently prepared with prey augmentation and habitat restoration, it is set to receive the next group of cheetahs.
- Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh): Planned as a future release site once infrastructure upgrades are complete.
- Bhairavgarh and Mukundra Hills (Rajasthan): Under evaluation as long-term landscapes for dispersal and population expansion.
- Banni Grasslands (Gujarat): Considered for future soft-release enclosures, pending ecological assessments.
By distributing cheetahs across multiple reserves, India aims to reduce the risk of disease, environmental stress and territorial conflict—strengthening the overall resilience of Project Cheetah India.
Must Read: Snow Leopards in Danger: Climate Change Threatens Central Asia’s “Ghosts of the Mountains”
President Murmu Meets Botswana Leadership
During her visit, President Murmu held discussions with Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe and Minister of International Relations Dr. Phenyo Butale. The leaders reaffirmed cooperation not only on wildlife conservation but also across trade, education, renewable energy, digital technologies and agriculture. They agreed that the progress of Project Cheetah India sets an important benchmark in conservation-based diplomacy between developing nations.
Must Read: Mountain Gorillas Face New Climate Threat as Population Recovery Hangs in Balance
Address to Indian Community in Botswana
Later, President Murmu addressed the Indian community in Gaborone. She praised their contributions to Botswana’s growth and encouraged them to engage actively with national initiatives such as the OCI scheme and Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. She also highlighted how India’s global presence—from technology to wildlife conservation—is shaped by the goodwill and achievements of its diaspora.
Must Read: Cassowary Bird: Facts, Habitat, and Why It’s Called the World’s Most Dangerous Bird
Key Takeaways
The handover of eight cheetahs marks an important milestone for Project Cheetah India, especially against the backdrop of declining global cheetah numbers and Botswana’s role as a major range country. By expanding reintroduction across Kuno, Gandhi Sagar and future sanctuaries, India is building a long-term conservation model rooted in scientific planning and international partnerships.
The visit also deepened India–Botswana ties, signalling that wildlife conservation will remain a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation as both nations work to secure the future of one of the world’s most threatened big cats.