Kuno gets 5 new cheetah cubs — and crucial mixing of South African, Namibian lineages
In a first for Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, a litter of five cheetah cubs were born on Sunday to parents who originated from two distinct populations — South Africa and Namibia.
Kuno National park director Uttam Kumar Sharma said, 'First cubs having a Namibian father (Gaurav) and South African mother (Nirva) were born at Kuno National Park. They were blessed with five precious new lives.'
Taking to his X handle, Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav wrote, 'New cheetah cubs! Please join me in welcoming five precious new lives in Kuno National Park. In the lap of their mother Nirva — five years old and brought from Mapesu Reserve in South Africa — these cubs remind us of nature's beauty and resilience.'
New cheetah cubs 🐾
Please join me in welcoming 5 precious new lives in Kuno National Park.
In the lap of their mother Nirva, 5-year-old brought from Mapesu Reserve in South Africa, these cubs remind us of the beauty and resilience of nature. May they grow strong, swift, and… pic.twitter.com/GFshaJCZUg
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) April 27, 2025
Kuno now has a total of 19 cheetah cubs, apart from the adult cheetahs. The growing cheetah population is a sign that the cheetahs have adapted well to their new environment, and their next generation is set to establish another milestone of success under Project Cheetah, a wildlife official said.
A senior wildlife official said the cubs, born to parents from distinct populations in South Africa and Namibia, represent a mixing of genetic lineages which is crucial for the long-term survival of the species. This is because such a mixing reduces the risks associated with inbreeding, such as genetic defects and reduced resilience to diseases.
'A diverse gene pool enhances the population's adaptability to environmental changes and strengthens its overall health,' the officer said.
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