Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district will be developed as the state’s third cheetah habitat before the next monsoon. The decision follows the successful translocation of cheetahs from Africa to Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
The state cabinet has granted in-principle approval for the initiative at Nauradehi, expanding Madhya Pradesh’s role in global cheetah conservation. Kuno currently houses 28 cheetahs, while Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary has two, with eight more expected from Botswana in January 2026.
CM Yadav highlighted India’s unique success in cheetah rehabilitation, noting that Madhya Pradesh is at the forefront of these conservation efforts. The government is also planning further wildlife translocations to enhance biodiversity and strengthen protected-area networks across the state, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as a hub for innovative wildlife conservation initiatives.