Cheetahs for MP's Gandhisagar Sanctuary: 28 spotted deer released

The Madhya Pradesh forest department has released 28 spotted deer (also known as chital) into Gandhinagar Sanctuary to enhance the prey base for the cheetahs.

This move is part of a larger plan to establish Gandhisagar as the second home for cheetahs after Kuno National Park.

Total Prey Base: The plan is to relocate 1,250 spotted deer to Gandhisagar Sanctuary.

Current Population: So far, 434 spotted deer have been released in Gandhisagar, including 120 males and 314 females.

Cheetahs: Cheetahs were reintroduced to Kuno National Park from Namibia and South Africa in 2022 and 2023, and there are currently 24 cheetahs in Kuno, including cubs.

About Cheetahs in India Cheetahs in India have a fascinating history and a promising future with ongoing conservation efforts.

Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo of Korea, Madhya Pradesh is believed to have killed the last three cheetahs in the country in 1947. The species was declared locally extinct in 1952.

Historical Context Native Species: The Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) was once native to India but became extinct in the country in 1952 due to habitat loss and hunting. 

Current Status: Asiatic cheetahs are now found only in Iran and are critically endangered.

Reintroduction Efforts Project Cheetah: Launched in 2022, this ambitious project aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India's grasslands. The project involves bringing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.

Initial Translocation: In September 2022, eight cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. 

Recent Developments: As of October 2024, 24 cheetahs, including 12 cubs, are part of the project.

Challenges and Successes Challenges: The project has faced challenges, including the deaths of several cheetahs due to infections, diseases, and other factors. 

Successes: Despite the setbacks, the project has seen some successes, with 12 adult cheetahs and 12 cubs surviving.