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NEW DELHI: Botswana formally handed over eight cheetahs to India on Thursday at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve during president Droupadi Murmu’s state visit.The cheetahs, a mix of adults and sub-adults, were brought to the reserve from Ghanzi town in the Kalahari desert. Two of the eight cheetahs were released into a quarantine enclosure as part of the handover event. Botswana’s president Duma Gideon Boko, was also present on the occasion. Wildlife officials from both countries briefed the presidents about the transfer process. Speaking at the event, president Murmu said the gift reflected Botswana’s strong commitment to wildlife conservation. “These cheetahs will join their brothers and sisters in India’s Kuno National Park, helping us to restore the species in its historical habitat,” she said. President Boko added that Botswana was glad to support efforts to rebuild India’s cheetah population. All eight cheetahs will remain under quarantine in Botswana before being flown to India in the coming weeks. The animals will join the project Cheetah initiative at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. India began reintroducing cheetahs in 2022, when eight were brought from Namibia. Twelve more came from South Africa in 2023. Since then, India has recorded 27 cheetahs, including 16 born on Indian soil. While 19 have died due to various causes, 26 cubs have been born so far.