Current Affairs

Sign in
GeographyGS3
GS3

Madhya Pradesh Expands Cheetah Habitat in Tiger Reserve

Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for MPPSC aspirants tracking major wildlife milestones, protected areas, and conservation initiatives (Project Cheetah) within Madhya Pradesh.

Summary

Two cheetahs have been released into a tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, making it their third habitat in the state under Project Cheetah. This expansion aims to build a viable free-ranging cheetah population across multiple protected areas in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

  • Two cheetahs were released into a tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, marking their third habitat in the state following Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • This move is part of the ongoing Project Cheetah initiative to establish free-ranging, self-sustaining populations of cheetahs in India.
  • Expands the range of cheetah conservation sites within Madhya Pradesh (known as the 'Tiger State'), enhancing habitat distribution and management.

Important Terms

Project Cheetah

India's intercontinental wildlife reintroduction initiative launched to restore the extinct cheetah population, with primary habitats established in Madhya Pradesh.

UPSC context

MPPSC Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity); tests knowledge of wildlife conservation projects, national parks, and ecological restoration in Madhya Pradesh.

Source
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

A statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change responsible for managing tiger reserves and overseeing Project Cheetah in India.

UPSC context

MPPSC Paper III (Environment & Ecology); tests statutory bodies, environmental governance, and wildlife protection mechanisms in India.

Source
Madhya Pradesh Forest Department

The state government body responsible for wildlife management, protection of forest resources, and execution of conservation initiatives like cheetah habitats in MP.

UPSC context

MPPSC Paper I & III (Geography and Environment of MP); tests administrative execution of state wildlife policies and sanctuaries.

Static Concepts Connected

Environment & Wildlife Conservation MP

What are the three designated cheetah habitats in Madhya Pradesh under Project Cheetah?

  • Kuno National Park: Located in Sheopur and Morena districts, serving as the primary initial release site.
  • Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary: Located in the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, chosen for open forest restoration.
  • Veerangana Durgavati TR: Spans Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, providing a third habitat for coexistence studies with tigers and leopards.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Project Cheetah + Madhya Pradesh Biogeography

    Project Cheetah intersects with National Wildlife Action Plan priorities and biogeographic zone classification under Indian wildlife geography.

Project Cheetah habitats (Kuno, Gandhi Sagar, VDTR) + districts will likely appear in MPPSC prelims matching questions.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2024MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    In which district is Lamheta village located, where the Geo Park is set to be established ?

  • 2025MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The Madhya Pradesh Government has undertaken several initiatives to commemorate the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Durgavati. Which of the following is/are correct? 1. Rani Durgavati Anna Protsahan Yojana 2. Formation of Rani Durgavati Memorial and Garden in Jabalpur 3. Establishment of Madhya Pradesh Tribal Women Welfare Board 4. Declaration of a public holiday on Rani Durgavati's birth anniversary

  • 2022MPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following National Parks is the first in India to officially introduce a mascot named "Bhoorsingh the Barasingha"?