2 Cheetahs Will Relocated to Gandhi Sagar WLS on April 20

Over two years after India reintroduced African cheetahs into the wild at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP), a significant milestone will be achieved on April 20, 2025, when two adult cheetahs will be relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS). This move marks the expansion of the cheetah reintroduction initiative and aims to establish GSWS in Mandsaur district as the species’ second home. The decision, taken during a high-level review of the Cheetah Project, underscores the collaborative effort between the central and state governments to promote conservation, research, and eco-tourism.

Key Highlights and Developments

Relocation Decision & Preparation

• Two male cheetahs (likely South African males Prabhas and Pavak) will be moved from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar on April 20, 2025.
• The decision was taken during a review meeting attended by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and MP CM Mohan Yadav.
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Infrastructure and Enclosures

• Three large enclosures spread over 64 sq.km have been built at GSWS for the cheetahs.
• These initial arrivals will be directly released into the large enclosures due to their adaptation to local conditions.
• The prey base in GSWS has doubled in the past two months, making it more suitable for cheetah habitation.

Delayed International Translocation

• Original plans included bringing 6–8 cheetahs from South Africa to GSWS before summer 2025.
• Delays in negotiations with South Africa have shifted the expected timeline to September.
• Talks are also ongoing with Botswana and Kenya for additional cheetah translocations:
• Four cheetahs expected from Botswana in May.
• Another batch later in the year.

Inter-State Conservation Collaboration

• GSWS borders Rajasthan, prompting both states to plan an inter-state cheetah conservation complex for regional coordination.

Success in Breeding and Adaptation

• MP’s cheetah cubs show the highest survival rate in the world, per CM Mohan Yadav.
• Cheetahs in India are adapting better than in other reintroduction attempts globally.

Tourism & Infrastructure Initiatives

• Plans to boost tourism at Kuno with direct road and air connectivity from Gwalior.

Proposed infrastructure includes,

• All-season paved road from Gwalior to KNP.
• Tent city in the forest.
• State-of-the-art veterinary hospital and rescue center at Kuno.
• Training of women SHGs and ‘Cheetah Mitras’ as guides and conservation volunteers.

Current Cheetah Status in India

• As of now, Kuno National Park houses 26 cheetahs, including 17 in the wild and 9 in enclosures.
• The cheetah reintroduction began in September 2022 with 8 Namibian cheetahs.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	2 Cheetahs Will Relocated to Gandhi Sagar WLS on April 20
Relocation Date	April 20, 2025
Source Sanctuary	Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Target Sanctuary	Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandsaur
Cheetahs Being Moved	2 (likely South African males: Prabhas and Pavak)
Enclosure Size	64 sq.km
Initial Plans from South Africa	6–8 cheetahs
New Expected Arrival from Africa	Botswana (4 in May), more later
Infrastructure Projects	Tent city, Gwalior-KNP road, veterinary hospital
Cheetah Count at Kuno	26 total (17 wild, 9 enclosures)
Tourism Plan	Involve youth & women; promote eco-tourism
Cheetah Cubs’ Survival Rate	Highest globally (per MP CM)
International Cooperation	South Africa, Botswana, Kenya
New Regions Considered	Banni Grasslands, Gujarat