Evaluate the proposal to reintroduce cheetahs into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, focusing on the potential ecological and conservation impacts. (10M, 150 words) [GS-1: Indian Geography]

Introduction:

• Madhya Pradesh is set to expand its cheetah reintroduction efforts by establishing a new habitat at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in
• Mandsaur district, complementing the existing population of 21 cheetahs at Kuno National Park (KNP).
• This newly developed sanctuary, spanning 64 square kilometers, was constructed at a cost of Rs 17.72 crore to provide a suitable environment for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India.

Body:

Ecological Suitability of Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary:

• The sanctuary is strategically located on a flat rocky plateau, with the Chambal River bisecting it into two almost equal halves, offering a unique landscape conducive to cheetah habitation.
• Established in 1960, the Gandhi Sagar Dam adds to the sanctuary’s ecosystem, creating a mix of open grasslands, dry deciduous trees, and shrubs—ideal for cheetah movement and hunting.
• The sanctuary’s shallow topsoil and exposed rocky terrain resemble the savanna wilderness of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, a well-known cheetah habitat, making it a promising site for their reintroduction.
• According to experts, Gandhi Sagar’s habitat quality is second only to Kuno in India, making it an excellent candidate for cheetah conservation efforts.

Historical and Conservation Context:

• Cheetahs, once native to India, were declared extinct in 1952 due to habitat loss and hunting. The government’s initiative to reintroduce them aims to restore this lost species to the Indian landscape.
• The Cheetah Reintroduction Project began with the release of eight Namibian cheetahs at KNP in September 2022, followed by the arrival of 12 more from South Africa in February 2023.

Conclusion:

The reintroduction of cheetahs at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary represents a significant step in India’s broader conservation strategy, aimed at restoring the ecological balance and protecting endangered species.

Despite challenges, such as the loss of seven adult cheetahs and three cubs since March 2023, the current population of 21 cheetahs at KNP, including six males, seven females, and eight cubs, signifies progress in the effort to repopulate India’s wilderness with this majestic predator.