Africa-Press – Botswana. A delegation from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of India, led by the High Commissioner of India to Botswana, H.E. Bharath Kumar Kuthati, recently paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Wynter B. Mmolotsi. The visit followed Botswana’s acceptance of India’s request for a donation of cheetahs to support Project Cheetah, which seeks to restore the species to its historical range in India.
Minister Mmolotsi confirmed that Botswana will donate eight cheetahs in total. Due to international wildlife trade restrictions under the CITES Appendices, the donation will be carried out in two phases. The first batch of four cheetahs will be sent to India in 2025. The second batch of four will follow in 2026, after an assessment of how the first group has acclimatized to their new environment.
In his remarks, Minister Mmolotsi emphasized Botswana’s longstanding commitment to wildlife conservation. He noted that 40 percent of the country’s land surface is dedicated to conservation. Out of this, 18 percent is reserved for national parks while 22 percent is designated as Wildlife Management Areas. This, he said, demonstrates Botswana’s recognition of wildlife as a cornerstone of its national identity and economic future.
“We do acknowledge the Indian Government’s request for donation of cheetahs and for identifying Botswana as one of the countries that can support the implementation of Project Cheetah that aims to re-introduce cheetahs in their historical range in India. The Ministry acceded to the call by the Government of India to support this project because we see India as an ideal partner to work with in the conservation and management of big cats,” said Minister Mmolotsi.
The Minister also expressed confidence that the partnership between Botswana and India will strengthen biodiversity management in both countries. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in sharing expertise, building technical capacity, and mobilizing resources for conservation projects.
The donation marks a significant step in global conservation efforts. It not only supports India’s ambitious program to re-establish the cheetah population but also reflects Botswana’s role as a leader in wildlife conservation on the African continent.
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