GANDHI SAGAR WIDLIFE SANCTUARY

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Madhya Pradesh plans to introduce a batch of cheetahs by next year at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary under Cheetah Action Plan initiative.

Key Facts About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location
- Established in 1974, located in the districts of Mandsaur and Neemuch in western Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan.
- The Chambal River divides the sanctuary into two parts, with Gandhi Sagar Dam situated within.
Ecosystem
- Characterized by rocky terrain and shallow topsoil, supporting a savanna ecosystem.
- Features open grasslands, dry deciduous trees, and shrubs, with evergreen riverine valleys.
Ideal Habitat for Cheetahs
- Similar to the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya, making it suitable for cheetah habitation due to its savanna wilderness and abundant wildlife.

Phase-1
- Launched in 2022 to restore the cheetah population in India, which went extinct in 1952.
- Involves translocating cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park.
- Implemented by the NTCA, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Phase-2
- India plans to source cheetahs from Kenya due to similar habitats.
- Cheetahs will be translocated to Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Facts About Cheetahs

Breeding and Maturity
- Cheetahs breed year-round, peaking during the rainy season.
- Females reach sexual maturity at 20-24 months; males mature later at 24-30 months.
Gestation and Litters
- Gestation lasts 90-95 days, with typical litters of 3-5 cubs.
Vocalizations
- Cheetahs do not roar like lions and tigers; they communicate using high-pitched chirps and barks.
Territorial Behaviour
- Generally solitary, cheetahs mark territories with scratch marks, scent marking, and cheek rubbing.
- They use "stutter barks" to warn others and establish territory.
Speed and Hunting
- Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, reaching speeds up to 120 km/h and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds.
- They hunt by "tripping" prey using semi-retractable claws, but their success rate is only 40-50%.
Protection Status
- Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- Protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix I of CITES.