Committee Approves Cheetah Relocation From Kuno To Gandhi Sagar As Centre Negotiates With African Nations For More

The Cheetah Project Steering Committee has approved the translocation of a few cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, both located in Madhya Pradesh, Indian Express reported.

The move is part of efforts to establish a long-term metapopulation of 60–70 cheetahs across the Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape, which spans parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

While the Centre continues talks with Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana for the next batch of cheetahs, the committee’s decision marks a pivotal moment for Gandhi Sagar, which has been under preparation for over a year.

“It was discussed and agreed that a few cheetahs could be moved to Gandhi Sagar soon,” said a source aware of the developments.

The committee, however, cautioned against stress factors during relocation by road over the 300 km distance, particularly amid rising summer temperatures.

An initial release of four to five cheetahs is planned into a fenced 64 sq km area where leopards have been removed to prevent conflict.

Concerns persist over the adequacy of prey at Gandhi Sagar. “Prey augmentation has been an ongoing process... We have chinkara, chousingha, nilgai and chital among the prey base,” said Subharanjan Sen, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife).

The panel also addressed a recent controversy involving a forest department driver offering water to a cheetah and her cubs.

The committee noted it reflected lack of training and urged better adherence to standard protocols, increased sensitisation, and engagement of ‘cheetah mitras’.

The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was established by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in May 2023 to oversee, evaluate, and advise on the implementation of Project Cheetah.

Launched in 2022, the project began with the translocation of eight cheetahs from Namibia and twelve from South Africa to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park.

Despite its ambitious vision, the initiative has faced considerable setbacks, including the deaths of eight adult cheetahs and five cubs born in Kuno.

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