India is planning to expand its cheetah reintroduction programme, with some animals from Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park likely to be relocated to Gujarat in the coming months, according to media reports and sources familiar with the development.
Officials are considering the Banni grasslands in Gujarat’s Kutch region as a possible new habitat for the African cheetahs brought to India under the ambitious conservation initiative launched in 2022.
The programme began when cheetahs from Namibia were released into Kuno National Park. Additional animals were later brought from South Africa as part of efforts to revive the species in India decades after it became extinct in the country.
Despite early setbacks, including the deaths of several cheetahs, authorities say the project has shown encouraging progress. Kuno is now home to more than 50 cheetahs, including cubs born in India, prompting officials to identify additional habitats to support the growing population.
Earlier proposals had focused on relocating cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. However, the Banni grasslands are emerging as a preferred option because of their open landscape and favourable ecological conditions, sources said.
Forest officials continue to monitor the animals through round-the-clock surveillance systems and dedicated control rooms at Kuno.
The Madhya Pradesh government is also promoting Kuno as a wildlife tourism destination, with plans to improve safari facilities and tourist infrastructure while creating employment opportunities for local communities.
