Namibian cheetah’s death in India marks latest setback

India’s Project Cheetah has been dealt another blow with the death of a female cheetah, Nabha.This marks the 11th fatality among the animals relocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh three years ago. Nabha reportedly sustained a leg injury during a hunt and died despite a week of veterinary care.“The Indian government informed me immediately of her death. They treated her for about a week before she succumbed to her injuries,” said Dr Laurie Marker, executive director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia.Her death marks the latest in a string of setbacks for the high-profile project aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India after more than 70 years of local extinction.Eight Namibian cheetahs and 12 South African cheetahs were relocated to the park in 2022.Growing population despite hurdles According to The Times of India, the country’s cheetah population now stands at 26, including nine adult cheetahs and 17 cubs born in India.Sixteen cheetahs have been released into the wild. India’s field director for Project Cheetah, Uttam Sharma, told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that all remaining cheetahs are in good health. Two males that were relocated from KNP to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary are also reportedly doing well.“They have adapted well to the habitat, learned to coexist with other predators, and hunt regularly,” Sharma said.He also added that the two females, Vera and Nirva, are recovering well after recently giving birth.By the time of going to press, Namibia’s environment ministry could not confirm Nabha’s death.“We came across these reports in the media and are not in a position to provide any details at this stage,” ministry spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela told Network Media Hub (NMH) in response to queries.– irene-mari@nmh-hub.com.na

Namibian cheetah’s death in India marks latest setback

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-18

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Namibian cheetah’s death in India marks latest setback

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-18

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