Madhya Pradesh's Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district is prepared to receive a fresh group of cheetahs, marking a significant development in the state's efforts to bolster the population of these spotted felines.
The sanctuary, situated approximately 270 km away from the Kuno National Park (KNP), has been meticulously prepared to serve as another habitat for cheetahs, complementing the existing population in KNP.
Costing Rs 17.72 crore, the sanctuary spans 64 square kilometers and is securely enclosed with a wired fence, ensuring the safety and containment of the cheetahs.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sanjay Raikheda affirmed that all necessary arrangements for the introduction of cheetahs have been finalized, signaling the sanctuary's readiness to welcome its new inhabitants.
The decision regarding the timing and formalities of settling the cheetahs rests with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the sanctuary has already trained approximately 25 employees and officials to oversee and care for the cheetahs, drawing expertise from the experience garnered at KNP.
Raikheda highlighted the construction of a dedicated hospital within the sanctuary premises to provide medical care for the cheetahs, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their well-being. Additionally, a team of veterinarians from KNP is scheduled to visit the sanctuary to offer guidance on hospital construction and other pertinent aspects of cheetah care.
The sanctuary boasts an abundant prey base, including species like chitals (spotted deer), ensuring ample sustenance for the cheetahs once they are introduced into their new habitat.
The prospect of a fresh batch of cheetahs arriving from South Africa further underscores the sanctuary's pivotal role in the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, aimed at reviving the cheetah population in India.
Notably, the cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952, prompting concerted efforts to reintroduce them into their native habitat. The government's ambitious plan to revive the cheetah population has seen significant strides, with the successful release of eight Namibian cheetahs into enclosures at KNP in 2022, followed by an additional batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa in 2023.
Despite encountering setbacks, such as the loss of several cheetahs due to various reasons, the initiative has persisted, with the current cheetah population at KNP standing at 21 individuals, comprising both adults and cubs.
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