Madhya Pradesh
Cheetahs in Gandhinagar Sanctuary
- 30 Jul 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Recently, Madhya Pradesh chief minister announced that cheetahs would be released soon in the Gandhinagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur district.
Key Points
- The Chief Minister made the announcement on the occasion of World Tiger Day.
- On January 26, 2022, the Indian and South African governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate the relocation of cheetahs.
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes the restoration of the cheetah population as a priority for India.
- This initiative is expected to have significant and wide-ranging conservation implications.
- The primary goals are to re-establish the cheetah's functional role within its historical habitat in India and enhance the livelihoods and economies of the local communities.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location:
- Notified in 1974, encompassing the districts of Mandsaur and Neemuch in western Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan.
- The Chambal River bifurcates the sanctuary into two nearly equal parts, with the Gandhi Sagar Dam situated within the sanctuary.
- Ecosystem:
- Its ecosystem is characterised by its rocky terrain and shallow topsoil, which supports a savanna ecosystem.
- This comprises open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees and shrubs. Additionally, the riverine valleys within the sanctuary are evergreen.
- Ideal Habitat for Cheetahs:
- The sanctuary's resemblance to the Maasai Mara, a renowned national reserve in Kenya known for its savanna wilderness and abundant wildlife, highlights its suitability for cheetahs.
