Additional Four Cheetahs to be Released Soon at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary: MP Chief Minister
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Synopsis
On April 20, two cheetahs, Pavak and Prabhas, were released at the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced plans to introduce four more cheetahs from Botswana, enhancing conservation efforts and tourism potential in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Two cheetahs, Pavak and Prabhas, released in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
- Plans to introduce four additional cheetahs from Botswana.
- CM highlights the initiative as part of a larger conservation effort.
- Potential for increased tourism in the region.
- Sanctuary provides a suitable habitat for cheetahs.
Bhopal, April 20 (NationPress) The Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary located in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh has welcomed two new cheetahs, Pavak and Prabhas, as of Sunday.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav facilitated their release into a specially crafted enclosure within the sanctuary.
As soon as their cages were opened, the two cheetahs eagerly explored their fresh surroundings.
Pavak and Prabhas, both six-year-old male siblings, were transported from South Africa on February 18, 2023, and initially accommodated at Kuno National Park in Sheopur district.
During a discussion regarding this significant event, CM Yadav revealed plans to introduce four more cheetahs from Botswana, which will further enhance conservation efforts in the area.
This initiative is part of the Prime Minister's vision to establish India as a 'Cheetah State' and demonstrates the commitment of the state government to wildlife protection.
CM Yadav also expressed hope regarding the potential for tourism from this project, with an aim to attract global wildlife enthusiasts.
Planned infrastructure enhancements, including improved road and air connectivity, aim to elevate visitor experiences.
The sanctuary is a testament to India's dedication to ecological balance, offering avenues for conservation, tourism, and regional development.
Previously, on Friday, discussions about this project took place between the Madhya Pradesh government and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
In September 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reintroduced a cohort of cheetahs.
This species had faced extinction in India around the 1950s.
The cheetah reintroduction program, including inter-regional translocation to places like the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, is at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
CM Yadav recently indicated that more cheetahs will be introduced in the Chambal region, with plans progressing rapidly.
Covering an area of 8,900 hectares, the sanctuary offers a well-suited habitat, supported by a rich prey base comprising Cheetal, Chinkara, Nilgai, and Sambhar deer.
This initiative is a vital step towards restoring the cheetah population, which has been extinct in Asia for several decades.
The cheetahs were transported early Sunday morning in climate-controlled vehicles equipped with specially designed cages.
After an eight-hour journey covering 360 kilometers through Kota and Jhalawar, the team arrived at the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is now poised to accommodate a total of eight to ten cheetahs, solidifying its position as a model for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
With the relocation of Pavak and Prabhas, Kuno National Park now hosts 24 cheetahs - 13 from India and 11 from abroad.
Among these, 17 are seen roaming freely within the open forests of Kuno National Park.
