India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Corridor Set to Span Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

In a landmark move for wildlife conservation in India, Rajasthan is set to join Madhya Pradesh in establishing the country’s first inter-state cheetah conservation corridor, spanning 17,000 square kilometers. The project will connect Palpur Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh with the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, creating a contiguous and protected landscape for cheetahs to thrive.

Why in News?

The news is significant because it marks a major step forward in Project Cheetah, India’s ambitious initiative to reintroduce and conserve cheetahs. Rajasthan’s inclusion will expand the corridor area and strengthen India’s position as a pioneer in large carnivore conservation in Asia. An MoU between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is expected soon.

Project Highlights & Background

• Project Cheetah is India’s initiative to reintroduce the extinct Asiatic cheetah species in Indian wildlife habitats.
• Originally launched in 2022, the first group of cheetahs was translocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park.
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) are the key implementing agencies.

Cheetah Corridor Development

• Total Area: 17,000 sq km
• Madhya Pradesh: 10,500 sq km
• Rajasthan: 6,500 sq km

Protected Sites Linked

• Kuno National Park (MP)
• Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (MP)
• Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan)

Districts in Rajasthan Included

• Kota
• Bundi
• Baran
• Jhalawar
• Sawai Madhopur
• Karauli
• Chittorgarh

Significance & Objectives

• Ensures safe passage and migration of cheetahs across regions.
• Promotes genetic diversity through intermixing populations.
• Boosts eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.
• Strengthens inter-state cooperation in wildlife preservation.

Static & Institutional Facts

• India declared cheetahs extinct in 1952.
• First cheetah reintroduction took place in Kuno National Park.
• The project is the first of its kind in Asia.
• An MoU between Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh is pending approval.