Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs brought from Botswana into an open forest in the Kuno National Park following the completion of their quarantine period.
The reintroduction of cheetahs brought from Nigeria, South Africa, and now Botswana is achieving consistent success, and today Madhya Pradesh has earned nationwide recognition as the 'Cheetah State', the CM said on the occasion.
Yadav released female cheetahs, with identification numbers CCV-2 and CCV-3, at a site on the banks of the Kuno River.
This will give impetus to 'Project Cheetah' and add another important chapter to India's wildlife conservation history, an official said.
The objective of Project Cheetah is to restore the endangered animal species in the state, increase their numbers, and prepare them for free hunting and roaming.
CM Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has embraced cheetahs and made them a part of its family.
With the arrival of these cheetahs, the total number of cheetahs in India, including domestically born cubs, increased to 57, the official said.
This is the third major international phase of 'Project Cheetah'.
Wildlife experts believe that cheetahs from Botswana bring greater genetic diversity, which will help develop their healthy and sustainable population in Kuno.
