Conservation enthusiasts have fresh cause for celebration. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav disclosed that eight cheetahs from Botswana will touch down in India on February 28, marking the third phase of the historic reintroduction.
This update followed productive talks with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, touching on Madhya Pradesh’s tourism push, forest augmentation, and animal protection initiatives. The CM outlined state readiness and appealed for federal backing.
Addressing journalists, Yadav highlighted parallel efforts: ‘Bringing wild buffaloes from Assam is underway, with focused talks on facilitating the cheetah group’s arrival next month.’
Kuno National Park spearheads the effort, having received 20 cheetahs across Namibia and South Africa batches. Amid losses of nine adults, the pride has grown past 30 via new litters.
A backup site at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur is primed, housing translocated cheetahs Prabhas, Pavak, and Dhira. Botswana experts’ December visit confirmed top-notch quarantine and support facilities.
This strategic expansion not only mitigates risks but also amplifies the project’s scope, positioning Madhya Pradesh as a hub for cheetah revival and sustainable wildlife management in India.