Key Move Under Project Cheetah
On September 17, 2025, female cheetah Dheera was officially translocated from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh. The move comes as part of the Government’s efforts to expand cheetah habitats beyond Kuno and establish a second breeding site.
Joining the Male Coalition
Dheera will join two male South African cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, who were relocated to Gandhi Sagar earlier. Together, they form the founding population intended to initiate natural mating and population growth at this new site.
Details of the Translocation
- She was transported in a specially designed, air-conditioned vehicle, covering more than 300 km over approximately seven hours.
- Released into a 64 sq km enclosure within the sanctuary. For now, Dheera is being kept separate from the males to allow acclimatization.
- Her arrival marks the third anniversary of Project Cheetah, India’s landmark conservation programme aiming to restore wild cheetah populations.
Why This Matters
- Having a female cheetah at Gandhi Sagar is essential for natural breeding and ensuring genetic diversity outside Kuno.
- The expansion to multiple sanctuaries helps reduce pressure and risk concentrated in one location.
- This move reflects strengthened wildlife management, monitoring infrastructure, and interstate cooperation for big-cat conservation.
What to Watch Next
Officials will closely monitor Dheera using satellite collars and ground patrols to gauge her adaptation, interactions with the male cheetahs, and potential breeding behaviour. The success at Gandhi Sagar could set the template for future relocations.
More Wildlife & Conservation News
For more updates on wildlife conservation, cheetah rewilding, and environment initiatives in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and across India, check out our news section.
