Cheetah Translocation- From Botswana to Bharat | 13 Nov 2025

Source: ET

During the 1st-ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana, the President of India announced the translocation of 8 cheetahs to India, marking a major milestone in Project Cheetah.  

  • Botswana symbolically handed over the cheetahs, with 5 quarantined at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve (Botswana).

What is Project Cheetah? 

  • About: Launched in 2022 under Project Tiger, Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs extinct in India since 1952, as the world’s 1st intercontinental wild carnivore translocation. 
  • Objective: It aims to restore cheetah populations, revive savanna ecosystems, promote ecotourism and livelihoods, and reduce human-wildlife conflict through community awareness. 
  • Governance Structure: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) implements Project Cheetah alongwith Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and in 2023 formed a Steering Committee to oversee and guide its implementation. 
  • Status of Cheetah Population and Habitat: Currently, India has 27 cheetahs, including 16 that were born in the country.  

Cheetah

What are Key Facts Regarding Botswana? 

  • Geography & Landscape: Landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa (south & east), Namibia (west), and Zimbabwe (east). 
    • Kalahari Desert covers over 70% of Botswana’s landmass; though called a desert, it receives moderate rainfall and supports vegetation 
  • Landscape: Dominated by savanna grasslands; baobab trees (some over 2,000 years old) are common. 
  • Major Natural Attractions:  
    • Okavango Delta: One of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
    • Chobe National Park: Famous for having over 50,000 elephants. 
  • Conservation Efforts: Around 17% of land is reserved for national parks and game preserves. 
  • Economy: Botswana is one of the world's biggest producers of diamonds, accounting for about 20% of global production. 

Botswana

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is Project Cheetah? 
Project Cheetah (launched 2022 under Project Tiger) is the world’s first intercontinental large-carnivore translocation project aiming to reintroduce cheetahs extinct in India and establish sustainable breeding populations in historical habitats. 

2. What are the key conservation achievements to date? 
India has translocated 20 cheetahs from Africa (8 Namibia, 12 South Africa), now totalling 27 in India with 16 cubs born locally, marking successful reintroduction milestones. 

3. Name the African countries from which cheetahs were translocated to India under Project Cheetah. 
The first cheetahs were translocated from Namibia (2022), followed by South Africa (2023), and recently from Botswana (2024). 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. Consider the following: (2012)

  1. Black-necked crane 
  2. Cheetah 
  3. Flying squirrel 
  4. Snow leopard 

Which of the above are naturally found in India? 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 2 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (b)