Madhya Pradesh's Nauradehi Sanctuary Set to Welcome Cheetahs Soon
Synopsis
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is poised to become the third sanctuary for cheetahs in India. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the relocation of cheetahs from Kuno National Park is expected within the next two months, enhancing the state's ongoing conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary to become India's third home for cheetahs.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced relocation plans within two months.
Supports India's Project Cheetah initiative for wildlife restoration.
Nauradehi features a rich biodiversity and suitable habitat.
Current cheetah population in India exceeds 53 individuals.
Bhopal, March 10 (NationPress) The Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, now known as the Rani Durgavati Sanctuary, which spans the districts of Narasinghpur, Damoh, and Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, is set to become India's third home for cheetahs, announced Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister indicated that preparations are nearing completion and that the Madhya Pradesh government plans to relocate several cheetahs from Kuno National Park (KNP) to Nauradehi within the next two months.
“Project Cheetah is thriving in Madhya Pradesh. The state government will also facilitate the release of cheetahs in Rani Durgavati Sanctuary (Nauradehi) shortly,” he stated on Tuesday.
Last year, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which oversees India’s ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’, along with relevant authorities, officially designated Nauradehi as the third sanctuary for cheetahs, leading to the initiation of necessary preparations.
Nauradehi is located on a plateau that extends across the Sagar and Damoh districts in the Bundelkhand region. The sanctuary features a deciduous forest rich with sal, teak, mahua, bamboo, and bel trees, as well as vast grasslands that provide grazing grounds for herbivores. It boasts a diverse prey base, including four types of antelopes and animals such as wild boar.
The forest department is also making efforts to enhance this prey base by relocating spotted deer from the Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves.
In 2010, Nauradehi was initially considered a key site for cheetah reintroduction but was ultimately set aside due to the need to relocate numerous villages within the sanctuary.
Remarkably, India’s cheetah population surpassed fifty this past Monday, as a Namibian cheetah named Jwala, also known as Siyaya, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno, which has served as the primary site for African cheetahs in India since September 17, 2022.
Following the birth of these five cubs on March 9, the total number of cheetahs in India—spanning KNP and the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (both in Madhya Pradesh)—has reached 53. This total includes 33 cubs (all at KNP) and 20 adult cheetahs imported from Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
Among the total of 53 cheetahs, three adults—one male and two females—have already been released at the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district.
Point of View
A significant effort in wildlife restoration in India.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nauradehi being chosen as a home for cheetahs?
Nauradehi has been approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority as a suitable habitat for cheetahs due to its diverse prey base and suitable environmental conditions.
When will the cheetahs be relocated?
The Madhya Pradesh government plans to relocate cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Nauradehi within the next two months.
What is Project Cheetah?
Project Cheetah is an initiative aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India and enhancing their population through strategic relocations and habitat development.
How many cheetahs are currently in India?
As of now, India's cheetah population stands at 53, including both cubs and adults, primarily located in Kuno National Park.
What efforts are being made to support the cheetah population?
Efforts include enhancing the prey base by translocating spotted deer from nearby reserves and ensuring suitable habitats within sanctuaries.
