Cheetah Reintroduction
Cheetahs, declared extinct in India in 1952, are being reintroduced to India.
Six to eight cheetahs will be brought to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, following their introduction to Kuno National Park in 2022.
Quarantine Bomas (QBs)
Special enclosures, called quarantine bomas (QBs), are being prepared for the cheetahs, which will be held for at least a month for monitoring before being released into a larger area.
The QBs are designed with safety features, including bamboo sheds, electric fences, surveillance cameras, and remote-controlled gates for both the cheetahs' and staff's safety.
Gandhi Sagar’s rocky terrain and grasslands mimic the cheetah’s natural habitat, making it ideal for their reintroduction.
The region is believed to have once hosted cheetahs, supported by ancient rock paintings depicting a spotted animal.
Local Concerns
Karanpura village was relocated to make space for the sanctuary.
While villagers received compensation, some feel it was insufficient, and relocation has affected their livelihoods.
Nearby villages report reduced cattle productivity due to restricted access to grazing areas and water, which now lie inside the sanctuary’s boundaries.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border and lies within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
It is a designated Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
The sanctuary includes hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam.
Vegetation types:
Northern tropical dry deciduous forest.
Northern tropical dry mixed deciduous forest.
Dry deciduous scrub.
Principal tree species: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
Historical and Cultural Importance:
The sanctuary houses sites of historical and archaeological significance, such as Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath Temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Hinglajgarh Fort,and Taxakeshwar Temple
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