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Cheetah numbers in India have reach 53 considering the fact that till recently they were declared as extinct in the country.

On Monday the 9th of March 2026, Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment and Forests informed that Jwala, a Namibian cheetah and a successful third-time mother, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park.

In a post on social media post tweeted on platform X, the Minister said that with this birth, the number of Indian-born thriving cubs had risen to 33, marking the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil and another important milestone in India’s cheetah conservation journey.

With this birth, the number of Indian-born thriving cubs has risen to 33.

The minister added that it was a moment of great pride for Project Cheetah and added that the achievement reflected the dedicated efforts, skill and commitment of veterinarians, field staff and all those involved who continue to work tirelessly on the ground.

He said that with the arrival of these cubs, the total Cheetah population in India had reached 53.

Describing it as a historic and heart-warming moment for wildlife conservation, the Bhupendra Yadav expressed hope that Jwala and her cubs would grow strong and race ahead, carrying India’s Cheetah story to even greater heights.

Recently, Gamini, a South African Cheetah, became a mother for the second time, giving birth to four cubs.

It may be recalled that on 28th of February 2026 , Yadav had released nine cheetahs – 6 females and 3 males – received from Botswana into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The animals are undergoing an acclimatisation and health monitoring phase before their gradual release into the larger landscape.