Cheetahs in Gandhinagar Sanctuary | 30 Jul 2024

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.