Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is set to release two cheetahs imported from Kuno National Park into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve on October 11, 2026. This initiative marks the establishment of a third habitat for cheetahs in the state, joining Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the effort to promote cheetah conservation.

The event has generated significant attention, as special arrangements have been made for the safety and adaptation of the cheetahs across approximately 439 hectares of the reserve. Modern enclosures, also referred to as bomas, have been constructed to ensure their secure acclimatisation in the new environment.

The Forest Department has put comprehensive measures in place, including regular monitoring, healthcare, and a secure ecosystem aimed at supporting not only the newly introduced cheetahs but also other wildlife native to the reserve.

About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, previously known as Nauradehi Tiger Reserve, covers an expansive area of approximately 2,339 square kilometres across the districts of Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur. Established in 1997, it was recently recognised as a designated tiger reserve on September 20, 2026, following the integration of Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.

The reserve boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai, and bears. The area also plays a vital role in the conservation efforts for endangered species, particularly the Indian vultures.

Beyond its ecological significance, the reserve is expected to enhance wildlife tourism in the Sagar region and the wider Bundelkhand area. The introduction of cheetahs is anticipated to attract visitors from around the country, generating ancillary economic benefits for local businesses, including hotels, homestays, and transportation services.

Significance of the Cheetah Reintroduction Programme

The release of cheetahs into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve signifies an important advancement in Madhya Pradesh’s cheetah reintroduction programme, which aims to extend the habitat of this species beyond existing reserves. Currently, the total cheetah population in India has reached 60 following the successful birth of five cubs by an Indian-born female cheetah, KJP21, at Kuno National Park on October 5, 2026.

Of the 60 cheetahs now in India, 41 have been bred domestically. On the day of the release, a male named Tholo and a female known as CCB-3 will be transferred to the new reserve, with 54 cheetahs remaining at Kuno National Park. Concurrently, the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to two male cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, as well as two females, Dheera and Radha, the latter of whom was brought from Botswana and released in September 2026.

This initiative not only showcases an effort to reintegrate cheetahs into new habitats but also highlights the ongoing commitment to ecological restoration and preservation of the species. Through these efforts, Madhya Pradesh aims to foster a sustainable environment for both the cheetahs and the surrounding wildlife.

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