Madhya Pradesh's Cheetah Reintroduction Plan
Madhya Pradesh wildlife officials are planning to introduce a female cheetah into the Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary. The goal is for the female to mate with a male coalition, contributing to the state's larger objective of establishing a thriving cheetah population. This initiative extends from the successful adaptation of 19 cubs at Kuno National Park, which forms part of India's Project Cheetah aimed at reintroducing the species after its 1952 extinction.
Project Cheetah Overview
- Initial relocation from Africa to India began in September 2022.
- Aims include rejuvenating local ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.
- Current population in India: 29 cheetahs, including 19 cubs.
Characteristics and Habitat of Gandhi Sagar
- Gandhi Sagar is 250 km from Kuno and covers 2,500 sq km.
- Features grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and riverine evergreen patches.
- Current carrying capacity: 10 cheetahs.
Cheetah Reproductive Biology
- Females reach physiological puberty at 25–30 months, first litter around 29 months.
- Males reproduce between 48 to 96 months, capable of defending territories.
- Females exhibit mating readiness through behaviors like spray urinating and increased movement.
Challenges and Considerations
- High leopard density in Gandhi Sagar poses risks; 17 leopards relocated.
- Monitoring is crucial, as underscored by a 2023 incident where a female cheetah died during a mating attempt.
- Ensuring adequate prey density is critical for supporting the cheetah population.
These efforts, collectively, aim to establish a sustainable and thriving cheetah population in India, leveraging meticulous planning and adaptive management strategies to overcome ecological and biological challenges.
