The Cheetah Action Plan for the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh focuses on several key measures to create a suitable environment for the introduction of cheetahs in 2025. These include strengthening the genetic foundation of cheetahs, relocating leopards, and augmenting the prey population.
Key Aspects of the Action Plan
- Genetic Foundation of Cheetahs
- The lineage of cheetahs will be analyzed to ensure a strong genetic foundation, preventing inbreeding and promoting genetic diversity. This will be achieved by evaluating the conditions and lineage of cheetahs in the source countries, such as African parks, using genomic techniques like micro-satellite analysis.
- Relocation of Leopards
- The sanctuary’s strong leopard population presents a challenge, as leopards pose a threat to cheetahs, especially cubs and juveniles. The action plan includes capturing and relocating all leopards within the predator-proof fenced area to ensure the safety of the cheetahs.
- Augmenting Prey Population
- To support the cheetahs, the prey population inside the sanctuary will be enhanced. The sanctuary currently has 475 prey animals in the fenced area, and an additional 1,500 animals, including chital, blackbuck, and nilgai, will be introduced to meet the cheetahs’ dietary needs.
Habitat and Sanctuary Overview
- Landscape and Habitat: The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary spans 2,500 sq. km across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. It features a mix of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and riverine evergreen patches, which provide an ideal habitat for cheetahs.
- Predator-Proof Enclosure: In the initial phase, 6-8 cheetahs will be released into a 64 sq. km predator-proof enclosure within the sanctuary’s West Range. This area has an adequate prey base, including chinkara, nilgai, and other species.
Challenges and Management Strategies
- Leopard Competition
- The sanctuary is home to an estimated 70 leopards, which could compete with cheetahs for prey and pose a risk to their survival. The relocation of leopards from the sanctuary is crucial to minimize this risk.
- Research and Monitoring
- A comprehensive research program will track the movements of leopards using GPS collars. Additionally, 200 infrared camera traps will monitor carnivore populations, and scat analysis will provide insights into dietary preferences. This data will guide future management strategies for coexisting carnivores.
- Genetic Monitoring and Population Management
- The cheetah population will be carefully monitored through a database of individual profiles, which will track their survival and demographics. This will ensure the long-term health and stability of the cheetah population.
Future Expansion and Restoration Efforts
- Habitat Restoration: Gandhi Sagar is part of a broader cheetah conservation initiative, with other areas like Rajasthan’s Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve also identified for cheetah population expansion. These areas will undergo habitat restoration and prey augmentation to support sustainable cheetah populations.
- Ecological Ripple Effects: The introduction of cheetahs is expected to influence prey species’ behavior and habitat use. Radio-collaring prey animals will help monitor their adaptation to the new predator.
Cheetah Import and Selection Criteria
- Cheetah Import: A population of 12-14 wild cheetahs, including 8-10 males and 4-6 females, will be imported from African parks to establish a new population in India. These cheetahs will be selected based on genetic diversity, disease-free status, and behavioral suitability.
- Genetic Analysis: The genetic analysis of cheetahs will be performed to establish a wide gene pool and ensure long-term population stability.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary goal of the Cheetah Action Plan for Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) To increase the leopard population
- B) To create a suitable environment for cheetahs
- C) To build more predator-proof enclosures
- D) To introduce new plant species
- Answer: B) To create a suitable environment for cheetahs
- What is the estimated number of leopards in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) 50
- B) 60
- C) 70
- D) 80
- Answer: C) 70
- How many prey animals are being introduced into the sanctuary to support the cheetah population?
- A) 500
- B) 1,000
- C) 1,500
- D) 2,000
- Answer: C) 1,500
- What technology will be used to monitor the movements of leopards in the sanctuary?
- A) Radio collars
- B) GPS collars
- C) Infrared cameras
- D) Drones
- Answer: B) GPS collars
- From which countries will the cheetahs be imported for the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) India and Nepal
- B) India and South Africa
- C) African countries
- D) Australia and Kenya
- Answer: C) African countries
- What is the purpose of radio-collaring prey animals in the sanctuary?
- A) To track their health
- B) To study their adaptation to the presence of cheetahs
- C) To increase their population
- D) To monitor their breeding patterns
- Answer: B) To study their adaptation to the presence of cheetahs
- What is the capacity of cheetahs that the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary can currently support?
- A) 5
- B) 8
- C) 10
- D) 12
- Answer: C) 10