MP Plans New Home for Cheetahs: Action Plan Overview

Why in the news?

  • Cheetah Relocation: Madhya Pradesh plans to introduce a new batch of cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary next year.
  • Action Plan: The strategy focuses on genetic evaluation, relocating leopards, and boosting prey populations for sustainable cheetah habitation.

MP PLANS NEW HOME FOR CHEETAHS: ACTION PLAN OVERVIEW

Key Features of the Action Plan

  • Habitat Development: A 64 sq km predator-proof enclosure will house 6–8 cheetahs in the initial phase.
  • Prey Augmentation: Current prey density of 475 animals will be increased by introducing 1,500 prey animals like chital, blackbuck, and nilgai.
  • Leopard Relocation: Around 70 leopards in the sanctuary’s West Range pose threats and will be relocated before the cheetahs’ arrival.

Conservation and Research

  • GPS Monitoring: At least 10 leopards will be GPS-collared to track their movements and interactions with other predators.
  • Comprehensive Research: Infrared cameras and scat analysis will monitor carnivore populations and dietary preferences.
  • Genetic Diversity: Imported cheetahs will undergo genetic analysis to prevent inbreeding and maintain a strong gene pool.

Significance and Challenges

  • Long-Term Vision: The plan spans a decade, aiming to stabilize the cheetah population while ensuring coexistence with other carnivores.
  • Potential Risks: Inter-species conflicts, especially between cheetahs and leopards, remain a challenge.
  • Lessons from Kuno: Insights from Kuno National Park will inform strategies, including improved predator management.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location
  • Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh; borders Rajasthan.
  • Lies in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
  • Notified in 1974, covering an area of 368 sq. km.
  • Divided by the River Chambal into two parts.
  • Topography and Vegetation
  • Features hills, plateaus, and the catchment of the Gandhi Sagar Dam.
  • Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
  • Vegetation includes northern tropical dry deciduous forests and scrublands.
  • Notable flora: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
  • Fauna
  • Herbivores: Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer.
  • Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.
  • Rich population of crocodiles, fish, otters, and turtles.
  • Cultural and Historical Significance
  • Houses sites like Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath Temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, and Hinglajgarh Fort.
  • Known for its archeological and religious importance.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times