Expanding Cheetah Reintroduction in India, New Habitats Identified in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh

The ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India is set to expand beyond Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, where the first batch of African cheetahs was introduced in 2022. At the seventh National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the project will now extend to Banni Grasslands in Gujarat and Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. This expansion aims to further restore the population of cheetahs in India and enhance biodiversity conservation.

Background of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project

Cheetahs were officially declared extinct in India in 1952 due to habitat loss and excessive hunting. In an effort to reintroduce these majestic big cats, the Government of India, in collaboration with conservation experts and African nations, initiated the world’s first intercontinental translocation of big cats.

Cheetahs Introduced in Kuno National Park

• The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia in September 2022.
• The second batch of 12 cheetahs was translocated from South Africa in February 2023.
• These cheetahs were released into Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh.
• Since their arrival, seven adult cheetahs have died due to various reasons, including septicemia.
• The cheetahs have reproduced successfully, with 17 cubs born, out of which 12 have survived.

New Cheetah Habitats Identified

The expansion of the cheetah reintroduction initiative will now include two more locations:

1. Banni Grasslands, Gujarat

Banni Grasslands, located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, is a vast 2,500 sq km protected forest ecosystem. It is well-known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a suitable habitat for cheetahs.

Key Features of Banni Grasslands

• One of the largest tropical grasslands in Asia.
• Home to Banni buffalo, Kankrej cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and horses.
• Supports a rich avian diversity, with over 250 bird species, including winter migratory birds.
• Offers a semi-arid landscape similar to African savannas, providing an ideal habitat for cheetahs.

2. Gandhisagar Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Located in eastern Madhya Pradesh, Gandhisagar Sanctuary spans across the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts. This region, also known as Nimar, borders Rajasthan and features a dry, semi-arid landscape.

Key Features of Gandhisagar Sanctuary

• Covers the area surrounding the Gandhisagar Dam backwaters.
• Hosts rare species such as wild dogs (dholes), chinkaras, leopards, otters, and crocodiles.
• Provides a suitable habitat with ample prey availability and minimal human disturbance.
• Geographic conditions resemble cheetah-friendly landscapes found in Africa.

Scientific and Conservation Significance

The expansion of the cheetah project to Banni Grasslands and Gandhisagar Sanctuary has significant conservation implications:

1. Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance

Cheetahs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. As top predators, they regulate prey populations and help sustain healthy ecosystems.

2. Strengthening Genetic Diversity

By introducing cheetahs to multiple habitats, India aims to create viable, self-sustaining populations across different landscapes, reducing the risk of inbreeding.

3. Restoring India’s Historic Cheetah Population

The expansion aligns with the “Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India”, which envisions introducing 50 cheetahs over five years in different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the expansion of the cheetah reintroduction project is a positive step, certain challenges need to be addressed:

1. Mortality and Health Concerns

• The deaths of seven cheetahs in Kuno due to septicemia and other health issues highlight the need for enhanced veterinary care and habitat monitoring.
• Ensuring adequate prey base and territorial space will be crucial in new locations.

2. Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Cheetahs require large open spaces with minimal human disturbance.
• Proper community engagement and awareness programs are needed to prevent human-cheetah conflicts.

3. Adapting to New Habitats

• Banni Grasslands and Gandhisagar Sanctuary present different climatic and ecological conditions compared to Kuno.
• Successful adaptation of cheetahs will depend on factors like prey availability, landscape compatibility, and disease control measures.

Summary of the News

Category	Details
Why in News?	The Government of India announced the expansion of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project beyond Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, to Banni Grasslands in Gujarat and Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
Background	Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 due to hunting and habitat loss. The project is part of the world’s first intercontinental translocation of big cats from Africa to India.
Cheetah Introduction in Kuno	– First batch: 8 cheetahs from Namibia (September 2022) – Second batch: 12 cheetahs from South Africa (February 2023) – Mortality: 7 adult cheetahs died (4 due to septicemia). – Reproduction: 17 cubs born, 12 survived.
New Habitats for Expansion	1. Banni Grasslands, Gujarat – Area: 2,500 sq km protected forest – Key Features: Supports Banni buffalo, Kankrej cattle, and over 250 bird species. – Suitable Habitat: Semi-arid landscape similar to African savannas. 2. Gandhisagar Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh – Location: Mandsaur & Neemuch districts – Key Features: Home to wild dogs (dholes), chinkaras, leopards, otters, and crocodiles. – Suitable Habitat: Dry, semi-arid terrain near the Gandhisagar Dam backwaters.
Scientific & Conservation Significance	– Enhancing biodiversity: Cheetahs help regulate prey populations. – Strengthening genetic diversity: Reduces risk of inbreeding by introducing cheetahs across multiple locations. – Restoring historic population: Supports India’s plan to introduce 50 cheetahs over 5 years.
Challenges & Concerns	– Mortality & Health Issues: Cheetah deaths in Kuno highlight the need for better veterinary care. – Human-Wildlife Conflict: Requires proper awareness and habitat management. – Habitat Adaptation: Success depends on prey availability, territorial adjustments, and disease control.
Future Prospects	– Continued monitoring of introduced cheetahs. – Strengthening conservation strategies. – Expanding cheetah habitats in line with India’s long-term wildlife conservation plan.