Two Cheetahs to be Relocated from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary on April 20: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
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Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, announced the relocation of two cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary on April 20. This move aims to enhance wildlife tourism and ensure the cheetahs thrive in their new habitat.
Key Takeaways
- Two cheetahs are being moved to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
- Kuno National Park aims to become a wildlife tourism model.
- Plans for improved access from Gwalior are underway.
- The survival rate for cubs in Madhya Pradesh is exceptionally high.
- Conservation efforts are expanding to include king cobras and other species.
Bhopal, April 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, announced on Friday that two cheetahs — one male and one female — will be transferred from Kuno National Park (KNP) to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary on April 20.
This decision was revealed during a meeting led by Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, alongside Chief Minister Yadav and senior forest officials in Bhopal.
The Chief Minister emphasized the state's dedication to transforming Kuno National Park into a premier wildlife tourism hub.
He noted that Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, located in Mandsaur district, will soon welcome these majestic animals.
Plans are also in motion to enhance tourism at Kuno National Park by improving both road and air access from Gwalior.
Yadav mentioned that Madhya Pradesh is actively working on initiatives to strengthen its natural ecosystem.
During a review of the 'Cheetah Project', it was highlighted that cheetah cubs born in Madhya Pradesh boast the world's highest survival rates.
In comparison, cubs from other nations often face challenges adapting to their environments. The Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary provides an optimal habitat for cheetahs, leading to their introduction there to enhance the sanctuary's biodiversity, as stated by CM Yadav.
Additionally, CM Yadav revealed plans for a paved, all-season road connecting Gwalior to KNP and to establish a tent city within the forest for visitors.
An international-standard veterinary hospital and rescue center will also be built in the Kuno area with assistance from the central government.
This facility will cater to cheetahs and support local cattle care.
The state is also focusing on the conservation of king cobras, gharials, and rare turtles.
In the initial phase, ten king cobras will be introduced to Madhya Pradesh to maintain balance in the population of venomous snakes within the state's forests.
Kuno National Park currently houses 26 cheetahs, with 16 in the wild and 10 in rehabilitation enclosures.
Female cheetahs Jwala, Asha, Gamini, and Veera have successfully given birth to cubs.
The state government has also requested the Supreme Court's approval to initiate a Cheetah Safari, as conducting safaris in forests or eco-sensitive areas requires judicial consent, according to a forest official.
