CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Over two years after the historic reintroduction of African cheetahs into India, the country is set to reach another landmark in wildlife conservation. On April 20, 2025, two adult cheetahs will be translocated from Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS), establishing it as the second habitat for the species in the country.
This strategic move, finalized during a high-level review of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, emphasizes the commitment of both central and state governments toward long-term cheetah conservation, ecological research, and nature-based tourism.
Key Developments In Cheetah Relocation
Cheetahs to Be Shifted from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar
Two male cheetahs likely Prabhas and Pavak from South Africa—will be transferred from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar on April 20. The decision was made during a review meeting led by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Located across Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, GSWS is poised to become a new frontier in India’s ambitious cheetah rewilding efforts.
Infrastructure Readiness At Gandhi Sagar
GSWS now features three spacious enclosures covering a total of 64 square kilometers to facilitate the cheetahs’ acclimatization.
The sanctuary has witnessed a doubling of its prey population over the past two months, enhancing the habitat’s suitability.
The initial pair will be released directly into these enclosures due to their prior adaptation to Indian conditions.
Delays In International Cheetah Arrivals
Although India had earlier planned to introduce 6–8 more cheetahs from South Africa to Gandhi Sagar before summer 2025, logistical and diplomatic delays have pushed the probable arrival date to September.
Botswana is expected to send four cheetahs in May.
Negotiations with Kenya are also underway to secure more animals for the reintroduction program later in the year.
Cross-State Conservation Coordination
Since Gandhi Sagar shares a border with Rajasthan, both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments are working on creating an inter-state cheetah conservation complex to enable smooth collaboration and coordinated wildlife management.
Encouraging Results In Cheetah Adaptation
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted that India’s cheetah cub survival rate is currently the highest in the world, reflecting the success of the reintroduction program. The adaptability of cheetahs in Indian conditions appears to be more promising than in similar projects conducted in other nations.
Tourism And Infrastructure Development
To harness eco-tourism potential, the government has initiated several proposals to improve accessibility and amenities at Kuno and surrounding areas:
Paved all-weather road from Gwalior to Kuno National Park.
Tent cities for visitors inside the forest area.
A modern veterinary hospital and rescue facility at Kuno.
Training programs for women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and ‘Cheetah Mitras’ to act as wildlife guides and conservation volunteers.
Current Cheetah Population In India
As of April 2025, Kuno National Park is home to 26 cheetahs, including:
17 in the wild, and
9 in controlled enclosures.
The cheetah reintroduction project was first launched in September 2022, with 8 cheetahs imported from Namibia, marking the return of the species to Indian soil after 70 years of extinction.
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