Indian-born cheetah KJP21 gives birth to five cubs at Kuno; India's cheetah population reaches 60
On 5 October 2026, Indian-born female cheetah KJP21 gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park (Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh), taking India's cheetah count to 60 (41 Indian-born) and starting a Botswanan lineage.
Summary
KJP21, a 32-month-old Indian-born female cheetah, gave birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, on 5 October 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced. The births take India’s total cheetah population to 60, of which 41 were born in India. KJP21 is the third Indian-born female cheetah to give birth, after Mukhi and KGP12. Because the cubs’ father is a male cheetah from Botswana, the litter marks the beginning of the Botswanan lineage under Project Cheetah.
Key facts
- Mother
- KJP21, 32-month-old Indian-born female
- Cubs
- 5
- Place
- Kuno National Park, Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh
- India’s cheetah population
- 60 (41 Indian-born)
- Earlier Indian-born mothers
- Mukhi and KGP12
- Father
- Male cheetah from Botswana — start of Botswanan lineage
- Programme
- Project Cheetah
Practice MCQs 4 questions
After five cubs were born at Kuno National Park on 5 October 2026, India’s total cheetah population reached:
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Correct answer: C — 60
The cubs born to KJP21 at Kuno in October 2026 began a new genetic lineage in India because their father was brought from which country?
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Correct answer: D — Botswana
Before KJP21, which Indian-born female cheetahs had given birth in India?
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Correct answer: A — Mukhi and KGP12
Kuno National Park, where KJP21 gave birth to five cubs in October 2026, is located in which district of Madhya Pradesh?
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Correct answer: B — Sheopur