Why in News?
On 7 October 2026, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, a male named Tholo and a female named CCB-3, at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) in the Bundelkhand region. The move marks the expansion of India’s cheetah conservation programme, making VDTR the third cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, also known as Nauradehi Tiger Reserve, is Madhya Pradesh’s largest tiger habitat, covering approximately 2,339 sq km across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts. The area was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1997 and was designated a tiger reserve on 20 September 2023 following its integration with Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.
The introduction of cheetahs aims to expand their habitat, diversify the locations supporting the population and support long-term conservation through the development of additional suitable habitats.
About India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Programme
India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 September 2022, when cheetahs brought from Namibia were released into Kuno National Park. The programme seeks to establish a viable cheetah population in India following the species’ extinction in the country in 1952.
According to the figures provided, India’s cheetah population has reached 60, including 41 born in India, following the birth of five cubs to Indian-born cheetah KJP21 at Kuno National Park. The births also mark the establishment of the Botswana lineage in India, as the male cheetah involved was brought from Botswana.
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