Bhopal: India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme marked another milestone on Monday after Jwala, a Namibian cheetah, gave birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, pushing the country's total cheetah population to 53.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the development in a post on X, describing it as a proud moment for Project Cheetah. Jwala, already a successful mother, delivered the litter on March 9, making it the 10th confirmed cheetah litter born on Indian soil since the programme began.

According to the minister, the latest birth has increased the number of thriving Indian-born cubs to 33. The achievement is being viewed as a significant step in the long-term effort to restore the species in the country.

Yadav credited the success to the dedicated work of veterinarians, forest officials and field staff involved in the conservation programme. Their sustained efforts, he said, continue to strengthen India's cheetah recovery initiative.

Calling the development both historic and heartening for wildlife conservation, the minister expressed hope that Jwala and her cubs would grow healthy and contribute to the success of India's cheetah story.