Two South African Cheetahs Shifted to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary: A Boost to India’s Cheetah Project
Introduction
In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in India, two South African cheetahs, Prabhash and Pavak, were relocated from the Kuno National Park (KNP) to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, located 250 km away. The move is part of the Indian government’s ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Project, which aims to establish a viable population of wild cheetahs in India nearly 70 years after they were declared extinct in the country.
This update holds importance for CLAT 2026 aspirants, especially in the Legal Reasoning, General Knowledge, and Environment & Ecology sections. Understanding such developments helps in interpreting government policies, legal implications in conservation, and constitutional duties towards wildlife protection.
Why in News?
On April 20, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh government, along with the Forest Department, relocated two six-year-old male cheetahs from Kuno National Park to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a broader strategy to increase their chances of survival and reduce pressure on Kuno. This is the first cheetah relocation within India under the project and signifies expansion beyond Kuno, now making Gandhi Sagar the second site in the state for the cheetah project.
Point-wise Summary:
- Background of the Cheetahs:
- Cheetahs Prabhash and Pavak were brought from South Africa’s Waterberg Biosphere Reserve to Kuno in February 2023.
- They are six years old and were chosen for relocation due to their healthy traits, age, and hunting capabilities.
- These cheetahs have hunted several animals, especially chitals (spotted deer), proving their adaptability.
- The Relocation Journey:
- Relocation from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar took nearly eight hours by road.
- Officials from the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department oversaw the translocation.
- MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released the cheetahs into the new sanctuary, calling it a historic day for wildlife tourism.
- Gandhi Sagar as the New Habitat:
- Located in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary spans 2,500 sq. km across MP and Rajasthan.
- It has dry deciduous forests, evergreen patches, riverine zones, and ample prey base, ideal for cheetahs.
- The sanctuary is fenced with predator-proof enclosures and currently has the capacity to hold 10 cheetahs.
- The authorities plan to introduce 70 cheetahs in future phases after scientific assessment.
- Broader Cheetah Reintroduction Project Highlights:
- India’s cheetah reintroduction began in 2022 under the Project Cheetah initiative.
- It aims to restore the cheetah population which went extinct in India in the early 1950s.
- The first batch of 8 cheetahs arrived from Namibia, followed by others from South Africa.
- As of April 2025, India has 26 cheetahs, including 14 born in India.
- Future Translocation Plans:
- 8 more cheetahs are being brought from Botswana in two phases, expected to arrive by May 2025.
- Other potential relocation states include Shivpuri, Chattarpur, and Ujjain districts.
- Key Challenges and Conservation Goals:
- Ensuring genetic diversity, preventing inbreeding, and managing human-wildlife conflict.
- Creating awareness among locals and promoting eco-tourism to balance conservation and livelihood.
- Building a self-sustaining population of cheetahs in India through scientifically guided relocation and breeding efforts.
Explanation of Key Terms:
- Translocation:
Movement of animals from one natural habitat to another to improve survival chances or restore populations.
- Predator-proof Enclosure:
A secure, enclosed area designed to protect cheetahs from other carnivores like leopards or jackals.
- Dry Deciduous Forest:
A forest type found in tropical regions that sheds its leaves during dry seasons. Offers sparse vegetation and better visibility for cheetahs while hunting.
- Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (South Africa):
A designated protected area that focuses on conserving biodiversity while allowing sustainable use of natural resources.
- Project Cheetah:
India’s official cheetah reintroduction initiative, jointly implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and various state forest departments.
- Rewilding:
Process of releasing captive animals into the wild to restore ecological balance and biodiversity.
Relevance for CLAT 2026 Aspirants:
- Constitutional Link: Article 48A (Directive Principles) directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
- Judicial Precedents: Supreme Court has emphasized the need for environmental conservation in cases like TN Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India.
- Policy Understanding: Helps in interpreting government initiatives, public trust doctrine, and international cooperation in biodiversity.
- Reading Comprehension: Current affairs-based RCs and logical reasoning sets in CLAT often pick topics like wildlife conservation and environmental policy.
Conclusion:
The relocation of cheetahs from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar is a symbol of India’s rising commitment to biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism. It reflects India’s ambition to not just reintroduce an extinct species but to do so responsibly, with proper monitoring, phased implementation, and scientific guidance.
The initiative, while ambitious, faces challenges like habitat sustainability, conflict with other predators, and ensuring long-term survival. However, if executed successfully, it can pave the way for rewilding projects for other species and place India at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
This event is a landmark not only in wildlife history but also an excellent topic for critical analysis, comprehension, and reasoning for CLAT aspirants.
CLAT Gurukul Notes & Takeaways:
At CLAT Gurukul, we believe in preparing you not only for exam questions but also for the real-world implications of public policy, law, and governance. This topic helps aspirants understand:
- How law and policy interact with environmental conservation.
- Government obligations towards Article 48A and 51A(g).
- How to apply legal reasoning in wildlife conservation contexts.
We cover such topics daily in our best online coaching for CLAT, with dedicated current affairs modules, mock test discussions, and environmental law segments.
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