Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

Cheetah Relocation Approved: The Cheetah Project Steering Committee has approved relocating cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary to expand their habitat.

Gandhi Sagar’s Importance: It’s earmarked for long-term cheetah conservation, aiming for a metapopulation of 60-70 cheetahs across the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape.

Preparation & Initial Release: Madhya Pradesh has been preparing Gandhi Sagar for over a year. The first phase involves releasing 4-5 cheetahs into a fenced 64 sq km area after relocating leopards.

Prey Augmentation Efforts: Concerns over adequate prey are being addressed by introducing chital and other herbivores, with in-situ breeding programs.

Location and Ecosystem: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh bordering Rajasthan, features savanna, grasslands, dry deciduous forests and riverine areas, recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area(IBA). Chambal River flows through it.

Controversy & Training: The committee addressed a video showing a driver offering water to cheetahs, emphasizing the need for better training and adherence to SOPs, also highlighting need for sensitisation and water supply management.

Setbacks and Monitoring: Project Cheetah, initiated in 2022, has faced setbacks with cheetah deaths in Kuno. The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was formed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority to monitor the project.