Kenya Joins Namibia and Botswana in Supplying Cheetahs for India’s Rewilding Effort

India is advancing its cheetah reintroduction programme through new agreements with Kenya, Namibia and Botswana to bring additional animals into the country’s protected grasslands.

The initiative, part of the government’s Project Cheetah, aims to strengthen the growing population of the species, which was declared extinct in India in 1952. Officials have confirmed that discussions with Kenya are progressing, with plans to move eight to ten cheetahs from the country by 2026. 

Kenya, which has an estimated 800 to 1,200 adult cheetahs across its reserves and conservancies, is set to play a key role alongside Namibia and Botswana in supporting the long-term success of the project. The new animals will be released into habitats that have already been prepared for their arrival. 

Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh remains the main site, while Gandhi Sagar and Gandhinagar sanctuaries are also being considered. Additional areas, including the Nauredehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and the Banni grasslands in Gujarat, are being developed to host future groups.

Diplomatic engagement has been central to the project’s progress. President Droupadi Murmu is visiting Botswana, where she is expected to finalise an agreement enabling the country’s first contribution of cheetahs. 

According to officials, Botswana’s initial batch may arrive in India between December 2025 and January 2026. These cheetahs are expected to be released either in Kuno National Park, the Gandhinagar sanctuary, or both.

India’s cheetah population now stands at 27, including 16 cubs born within the country. Of the 20 adults brought from Namibia and South Africa in 2022 and 2023, 11 have survived.