The reintroduction of cheetahs to new areas in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh aims to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts further after the successful return to Kuno National Park

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project will be expanded beyond Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park to two new locations: Banni Grasslands in Gujarat and Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. This decision was unveiled during the seventh National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) meeting, marking another significant step in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.

Since their reintroduction to Kuno National Park in September 2022 and February 2023, African cheetahs have begun adapting to their new environment. The initial phase involved the arrival of two batches of cheetahs—eight from Namibia in 2022 and twelve from South Africa in 2023. However, the project has faced challenges, with seven adult cheetahs—four due to septicemia—dying between March 2023 and January 2024. On a positive note, 17 cubs were born, with 12 surviving.

The expansion into Banni Grasslands, a vast 2,500 sq km protected forest in Gujarat’s Kutch district, is expected to provide a rich ecosystem for the cheetahs. Banni Grasslands are home to a wide variety of species, including the Banni buffalo and Kankrej cattle, and are a breeding ground for over 250 bird species.

Meanwhile, the Gandhisagar Sanctuary, situated across Mandsaur and Neemuch districts in Madhya Pradesh, will also serve as a new habitat for the cheetahs. Known for its dry landscape and rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is home to wild dogs, chinkaras, leopards, otters, and crocodiles.

Although the exact number of cheetahs to be relocated and the timeline for their transfer to these areas were not specified, the government’s statement confirmed the intention to continue with the world’s first intercontinental translocation of big cats. Over the next five years, India plans to introduce around 50 cheetahs from Africa to various national parks as part of its ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India.’

The cheetah reintroduction program, initiated by the Wildlife Trust of India in 2009, aims to restore the iconic species to its historical range and support broader conservation efforts across the country.