Madhya Pradesh to Develop Third Cheetah Habitat at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Why in News

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will be developed as a new habitat for cheetahs before the monsoon of 2026.

Cabinet Approval

• The State Cabinet has given in-principle approval to develop the reserve as the third cheetah habitat in the state.
• The reserve is located at Nauradehi in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh.

Background: India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Programme

• The cheetah reintroduction programme began with the translocation of cheetahs from Africa.
• First habitat:
  • Kuno National Park (KNP), Sheopur – inaugurated in September 2022.
• Second habitat:
  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandsaur – opened in April 2025.

Current Status of Cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh

• Kuno National Park:
  • Home to 28 cheetahs at present.
• Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary:
  • Currently hosts two cheetahs.
• Future translocation:
  • Eight cheetahs are expected to be brought from Botswana to Kuno National Park in January 2026.

Chief Minister’s Statement

• CM Mohan Yadav stated that India — and Madhya Pradesh in particular — is the only place in the world where cheetah rehabilitation has been successful.
• He also said the state government is working on plans to translocate other wildlife species to Madhya Pradesh.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s unique global effort to reintroduce cheetahs, which became extinct in the country in the 1950s.
• Expands the habitat network to ensure genetic diversity and long-term survival.
• Enhances Madhya Pradesh’s position as a leading state for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.