Cheetahs Thriving Again In India, Says PM Modi On International Cheetah Day

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s achievements in cheetah conservation as the nation marked International Cheetah Day, emphasising both ecological restoration and the indispensable role of local communities in the effort.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “On International Cheetah Day, my best wishes to all wildlife lovers and conservationists dedicated to protecting the cheetah, one of our planet’s most remarkable creatures.”

The Prime Minister reflected on the launch of Project Cheetah three years ago, noting that the initiative was designed not only to protect the species but also to restore habitats essential to its survival. He described the project as a meaningful step towards reclaiming India’s ecological heritage and enriching the country’s natural diversity.

The Prime Minister expressed pride that several cheetahs are now living, and even being born, on Indian soil. He pointed to the successes seen in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, encouraging visitors to experience India’s growing cheetah tourism.

“Many of them now thrive in the Kuno National Park and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. It is heartening to see cheetah tourism growing in popularity as well. I encourage more wildlife enthusiasts from across the world to visit India and witness the cheetah in all its splendour,” the post read.

PM Modi further stressed that the progress achieved would not have been possible without citizens’ involvement, including the grassroots volunteer network supporting the animals’ wellbeing.

“Our progress in cheetah conservation has been possible only through the collective support of our people, especially our dedicated Cheetah Mitras. Protecting wildlife and living in harmony with nature are integral to India’s civilisational ethos and we see that spirit alive today in these efforts,” he noted.

International Cheetah Day: A Day to Raise Awareness

Observed annually on 4 December, International Cheetah Day aims to raise awareness of the struggles faced by the world’s swiftest land animal and to support worldwide initiatives focused on securing its future in the wild.

The campaign underscores the importance of educating the public about threats to this endangered species, while advocating for stronger environmental protection and long-term preservation.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), an organisation dedicated to protecting the species, established International Cheetah Day.

The date honours the life of Khayam, a cheetah raised by CCF founder Dr Laurie Marker, whose story helped draw global attention to the species’ rapid decline.

Once widespread across Africa and parts of Asia and the Middle East, cheetah populations have plummeted due to shrinking habitats, poaching and conflict with human activity.

Fewer than 7,000 remain in the wild today, and some subspecies, including the Asiatic cheetah, are critically endangered, reinforcing the urgent need for sustained conservation both in India and abroad.

The Prime Minister has been a strong advocate for the country’s cheetah reintroduction programme, which seeks to restore a species declared extinct in India in 1952.

The first group of eight cheetahs from Namibia arrived in Madhya Pradesh in September 2022, officially reintroducing them to India’s ecosystem.