Development of Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as India’s Second Home for Cheetahs

The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is set to become the second home for cheetahs in India, following Kuno National Park. 

• The decision on when to bring the cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa will be made after the monsoon season, due to  the susceptibility of animals to infections. 

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Geographical Position
  • It is Situated in Madhya Pradesh. 
  • This Sanctuary shares border with  the state of Rajasthan
  • It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974.
• Dam: The Gandhi Sagar dam was built in 1960.
  • It is the  third largest in India, and is located within the sanctuary.
• River: The Chambal River runs through this sanctuary. 
• Flora
  • Includes Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash
    • It features a savanna ecosystem with open grasslands and dry deciduous trees and shrubs. 
      • These features make Gandhi Sagar the best location in India for cheetahs.
• Fauna
  • Chinkara, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Striped Hyena, Jackal, and crocodiles

Challenges for Cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar

• Food shortage:  The biggest challenge is the lack of sufficient prey for cheetahs. 
  • It  increases competition among Leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas and other predators in the sanctuary.  
• Human activities:  Unlike Kuno, Gandhi Sagar has highways and human settlements close by. 
  • This can disturb the cheetahs and also make them vulnerable to accidents or attacks.

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About Cheetah 

• Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
• Native to Africa and central Iran
• Fastest land animal, capable of speeds between 80 to 128 km/h
• Threats: Faces habitat loss, human conflict, poaching, and high disease susceptibility
• Protection Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
• Re-introduction in India
  • Declared extinct in India in 1952
  • If reintroduced, India would likely be the only country in Asia with all major big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs) in the wild
• Subspecies
  • Acinonyx jubatus jubatus (African Cheetah)
  • Acinonyx jubatus venaticus (Asiatic Cheetah)

African Cheetah

• Physical Characteristics
  • Slightly brownish and golden skin, thicker than Asiatic Cheetahs.
  • More prominent spots and facial lines.
• Habitat
  • Found all over the African continent.
• IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

Asiatic Cheetah

• Physical Characteristics
  • Slightly smaller than African Cheetahs.
  • Pale yellowish fawn-colored skin with more fur under the body, especially the belly.
• Habitat
  • Found only in Iran, with the country claiming there are only 12 left.
• Protection Status
  • Declared extinct in India in 1952.
  • IUCN Red List Status :  Critically Endangered