Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: Madhya Pradesh has initiated a cheetah mating programme in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary to create a second viable home for cheetahs after Kuno National Park.
About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
• What It Is? A protected sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and mixed deciduous forests.
• A protected sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and mixed deciduous forests.
• Location: Situated on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, Madhya Pradesh, adjoining Rajasthan.
• Established: Notified in 1974 and expanded in 1983.
• Geography: Spread over 368.62 sq. km, bisected by the Chambal River, with grasslands and dry forests — ideal cheetah habitat.
• Flora & Fauna: Dominated by Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Tendu, Palash trees. Fauna includes chinkara, sambar, nilgai, leopard, wild dog, otter, peacock and mugger crocodile.
• Dominated by Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Tendu, Palash trees.
• Fauna includes chinkara, sambar, nilgai, leopard, wild dog, otter, peacock and mugger crocodile.
• Cultural Significance: Houses Chaturbhujnath temple, Hinglajgarh Fort, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Dharmrajeshwar caves, showcasing heritage importance.
• Houses Chaturbhujnath temple, Hinglajgarh Fort, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Dharmrajeshwar caves, showcasing heritage importance.
About Cheetah Mating Programme at Gandhi Sagar:
• What It Is? A scientific breeding initiative to mate relocated female cheetahs with existing male coalition in Gandhi Sagar.
• A scientific breeding initiative to mate relocated female cheetahs with existing male coalition in Gandhi Sagar.
• Aim: Build a self-sustaining cheetah population, reduce overdependence on Kuno, and restore India’s grassland ecology.
• Features: Pre-Mating Monitoring: Male and female kept in separate enclosures; behaviour observed to avoid aggression (learning from Kuno’s 2023 incident). Safe Denning Sites: Relocation of 17 leopards done to reduce predation risk. Nutritional Management: Prey supplementation and 15–20 kg feed provided every 3–4 days during gestation. Veterinary Surveillance: Biweekly pregnancy checks, remote den monitoring, and cub health assessments post-birth.
• Pre-Mating Monitoring: Male and female kept in separate enclosures; behaviour observed to avoid aggression (learning from Kuno’s 2023 incident).
• Safe Denning Sites: Relocation of 17 leopards done to reduce predation risk.
• Nutritional Management: Prey supplementation and 15–20 kg feed provided every 3–4 days during gestation.
• Veterinary Surveillance: Biweekly pregnancy checks, remote den monitoring, and cub health assessments post-birth.