Cheetah Reintroduction in Madhya Pradesh - Nauradehi Sanctuary
Context:
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced that Nauradehi Sanctuary will become the third home for cheetahs in the State.
This will follow Kuno National Park (Sheopur district) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (Mandsaur–Nimach region).
Cheetahs will be brought from Namibia (Africa) and released into Nauradehi.
Key Facts
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Spreads across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Known for: Dry deciduous forests, grasslands — suitable habitat for cheetahs.
Was earlier identified in 2008 feasibility studies as a potential cheetah site.
Kuno National Park:
First site under Project Cheetah (2022) African cheetahs from Namibia.
Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary:
Second site being developed for cheetah relocation (2024–25).
Other conservation efforts :
Six crocodiles (4 females, 2 males) were released into Indira Sagar Dam backwaters (on the Narmada River).
The crocodiles were brought from Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal.
Aim: To strengthen wildlife conservation and rewilding efforts in MP.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. Which of the following best describes the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary?
(a) A high-altitude grassland ecosystem in the Satpura ranges.
(b) A dry deciduous and grassland ecosystem across multiple districts in Madhya Pradesh.
(c) A mangrove ecosystem adjoining the Narmada Delta.
(d) A wetland ecosystem located near the Vindhya escarpment.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Nauradehi is a dry deciduous forest and grassland ecosystem, spread across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Veerangana Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve, is being developed as the third home for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh.