Gandhi Sagar, Nauradehi being prepared for cheetahs
   Date :20-May-2023

cheetahs 
 
 
By Ankita Garg
Amid the orders of arranging additional space for African cheetahs in neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh, State Forest Department is leaving no stone unturned to prepare Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagar at the earliest.
Forest authorities informed that tender has been released for channel fencing in Gandhi Sagar and strict direction has been given to complete the task within six months. Local sources said that there are two female pregnant cheetahs in Kuno National Park and they would be delivering cubs in the June. Officials said that the two female cheetahs require to be shifted in big enclosure along with the new-born cubs. Additional staff and space is required in the park.
Ambitious Cheetah Project of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is facing a flak from wildlife experts after the third fatality of female Daksha. Experts have raised concerned over safety arrangement for other cheetahs living together in same enclosure. On May 9, female cheetah Daksha died in a fight with male cat in enclosure number 1. Other two cheetahs in the enclosure also sustained injuries.
After 12 cheetahs brought from South Africa finished their quarantine period, officials released three cheetahs in a big quarantine on April 17 and other 9 cheetahs on April 19. A few of them were released with male and female pair while others were all alone. Two male and two female cheetahs were released in separate enclosure. Total six cheetahs were released in pair in three enclosures and remaining were put up separately. Each enclosure is six sqkm in area and there are total nine enclosures. In a meeting with higher authorities, it was decided to leave the cheetah in a pair for breeding purpose. Officials said it is important to start breeding of cheetah to see success of the project. One of the females has already delivered four cubs that brought laurels to the park.