Madhya Pradesh Plans New Home for Cheetahs
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| News Event | Madhya Pradesh plans new home for cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Key Action Plan | - Initial release of 6-8 cheetahs in a 64 sq. km predator-proof enclosure |
| - Prey base includes chinkara, nilgai, with 1,560-2,080 prey animals needed | |
| Current Prey Availability | 475 animals currently, supplemented with 1,500 additional prey |
| Leopard Challenge | - West Range has about 70 leopards |
| - All leopards within the fenced area to be relocated | |
| Cheetah Population & Genetics | - Import 12-14 cheetahs from African reserves |
| - Genetic diversity maintained through micro-satellite and genomic analyses | |
| Ecological Impact | - Prey species behavior to be affected, some will be radio-collared |
| - Habitat restoration part of broader cheetah conservation plan | |
| Current Cheetah Status | - Kuno National Park houses 24 cheetahs (including 12 cubs) |
| Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | - Located in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, bordering Rajasthan |
| - Ecosystem characterized by rocky terrain, savanna, and evergreen valleys |