Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve to Become Madhya Pradesh's Third Home for Cheetahs
Madhya Pradesh's largest tiger reserve, Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve, is being prepared to become the third home for cheetahs in the state. Under the NTCA's Cheetah Project, Nauradehi has received the green signal to reintroduce cheetahs, and the tiger reserve management has been provided with the required budget. Quarantine enclosures and soft-release enclosures for cheetahs are being prepared. One of the major tasks before the arrival of cheetahs is constructing a 20 km long boundary fencing.
Experts from Dehradun Approve Cheetah Reintroduction
After receiving the budget, Nauradehi Tiger Reserve management started constructing enclosures. A team of experts from the Indian Wildlife Institute, Dehradun, visited the entire reserve in April and May to assess suitability. They provided recommendations on cheetah safety, food, water arrangements, and human-animal conflict mitigation.
Suitable Areas Identified
The experts identified areas within the Sagar-Damoh border of the reserve as suitable for cheetahs. Approximately 600 sq km in Mohli and Singpur ranges of Sagar and Jhapan range of Damoh have been deemed fit. Due to slow displacement activity in Damoh, cheetahs will be relocated to the Jhapan range, and a 20 km long fencing is being constructed to prevent human-cheetah conflict.
Cheetahs Expected in 2026
The tiger reserve management has received a budget of around INR 5 crore. With fencing and enclosures underway, it is expected that cheetahs will be introduced in summer 2026. Experts have also advised increasing water sources, developing grasslands, and boosting herbivore populations, and preparations in these areas have begun.
Preparations and Enclosures
Dr. A.A. Ansari, Deputy Director of Nauradehi Tiger Reserve, said: "We have received a budget of about 5 crore for preparations. The quarantine enclosure is ready, and four soft-release enclosures are also being prepared. Remaining work includes boundary line fencing of the first phase area, where we are constructing approximately 20 km of fencing."