Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve Emerges as New Cheetah Habitat

Announcement and Policy Decision

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve Emerges as New Cheetah Habitat: The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will be developed as a cheetah habitat before the next monsoon. The decision has received state cabinet approval, marking a major expansion of India’s cheetah conservation programme.

Located in Nauradehi, Sagar district, the reserve will become the third cheetah site in Madhya Pradesh, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

Strategic Importance of the Reserve

The inclusion of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve strengthens the spatial spread of cheetah populations in central India. Expanding habitats reduces ecological pressure on existing reserves and improves long-term survival prospects.

The reserve’s landscape offers open grasslands and forest mosaics suitable for cheetah movement, hunting, and breeding. This complements the ecological profile of other cheetah sites in the state.

Static GK fact: Tiger reserves in India are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, but can host other flagship species based on habitat suitability.

Background of Cheetah Reintroduction in India

India lost its Asiatic cheetah population in the 1950s, becoming the only large country to witness the extinction of the species. Project Cheetah was launched to reverse this ecological loss.

In September 2022, cheetahs were reintroduced at Kuno National Park in Sheopur, marking a historic conservation milestone. This made India the only country globally to reintroduce cheetahs after complete extinction.

Existing and Upcoming Cheetah Sites

Kuno National Park currently hosts 28 cheetahs, forming the core breeding population. The second site, Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur, received cheetahs in April 2025 and presently hosts two individuals.

With Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh consolidates its position as the national hub for cheetah recovery.

Static GK Tip: Cheetahs are classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and are the fastest land animals, capable of speeds up to 110 km/h.

Conservation and Ecological Significance

The reintroduction of cheetahs restores the role of apex predators, helping regulate prey populations and maintain grassland health. Such trophic balance improves biodiversity resilience.

The initiative also strengthens wildlife management capacity through habitat restoration, prey base augmentation, and advanced animal monitoring systems.

Socio-Economic and Global Impact

Developing new cheetah habitats promotes eco-tourism, generating employment for local communities and increasing conservation awareness. Sustainable tourism models ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife.

Internationally, the project enhances India’s reputation as a leader in large carnivore conservation, supported by science-based planning and adaptive management.

International Cooperation and Future Plans

Under the next phase of Project Cheetah, eight cheetahs from Botswana are expected to arrive in January 2026. These animals will be introduced at Kuno National Park to strengthen genetic diversity.

Collaboration with African nations provides expertise in veterinary care, satellite tracking, and long-term population viability assessments.

Static GK fact: Transboundary wildlife cooperation is a key component of global biodiversity frameworks under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve Emerges as New Cheetah Habitat: