Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
India’s Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary would be second cheetah translocation site under Project Cheetah.- About: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border, Spans 368 sq. km.
o The Sanctuary falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
o Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974.
- Chambal River: Flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two sections.
- Ecological Significance: Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
- Topography & Vegetation: Characterized by hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam.
o Vegetation Types: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests → Northern tropical dry mixed deciduous forests → Dry deciduous scrublands.
o Dominant Tree Species: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash.
- Historical & Cultural Significance: Houses several archaeological and historical sites, including Chaurasigarh Fort, Chaturbhujnath Temple, Bhadkaji Rock Paintings, Hinglajgarh Fort & Taxakeshwar Temple.
- About Cheetah Reintroduction in India:
o Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, was the first site for cheetah reintroduction, receiving 8 cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa (2022–2023).
o Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary has now been selected as the second habitat to expand the cheetah’s range and ensure long-term conservation.
Detailed Solutions & Explanations
