Third batch of nine Botswana cheetahs arrives at Kuno National Park, raising India’s total to 48

Exam-focused facts from the 3 March 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Nine cheetahs airlifted from Botswana reached Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft.
All nine cheetahs were reported in good health and received their first meal on Monday morning inside their quarantine enclosures.
With the new arrivals, India’s cheetah population rose to 48, with three relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the rest housed at Kuno.
Since 2023, 39 cheetah cubs have been born at Kuno, of which 27 have survived, including nine cubs born between 7 and 18 February 2026.
Adult cheetahs weigh 40–65 kg and consume about 15 kg of meat every three to five days.