Why Reintroduce Cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary?
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is being developed as a second habitat for cheetahs in India. The sanctuary’s savanna environment, flat rocky plateaus, and diverse landscape make it ideal for cheetahs. Preparations include setting aside a 64 sq km area, building a soft-release cage, and constructing a wildlife hospital. The main challenge is ensuring a sufficient prey base, requiring the translocation of animals like chital, blackbuck, and chinkara. The broader goal is to restore natural balance and increase biodiversity, with a target of 50 cheetahs over five years.
