Project Cheetah ( UPSC Prelims)

News Context

India and Botswana officially declared the relocation of eight cheetahs to India under the initiative known as ‘Project Cheetah’.

About Project Cheetah

Launched in 2022, this initiative focuses on reintroducing cheetahs to India after their extinction in the late 1940s/early 1950s. It operates under the umbrella of Project Tiger (renamed as Project Tiger and Elephant from 2023-24). Kuno National Park supports a population of 30 cheetahs as of December 2025. The implementing agency is the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), with technical assistance provided by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was established by NTCA in 2023 to oversee, evaluate, and advise on the implementation of Project Cheetah. The prime objectives are to establish breeding cheetah populations in safe habitats across its historical range, to use the cheetah as a charismatic flagship and umbrella species to garner resources for restoring open forest and savanna systems, and to leverage the opportunity for eco-development and ecotourism to enhance local community livelihoods.

Cheetah

Characteristics: Known as the world's fastest mammal, the cheetah is also the only large carnivore to have become extinct in India in 1952. Unlike other big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, cheetahs do not roar.
 Habitat: The Asiatic Cheetah is now found only in the arid regions of eastern Iran and was officially declared extinct in India in 1952. The African Cheetah inhabits grasslands, scrublands, and open forests across Africa, with significant populations in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Namibia is home to the largest population of African cheetahs.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

 ● Location: Situated in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, specifically in the Nimar region.  
  ● Forest Type: Belongs to the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest category.  
  ● River: The Chambal River flows through the area.  
  ● Dam: Encompasses the backwaters of the Gandhi Sagar dam.  
  ● Trees: Includes species such as Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.  
  ● Wildlife: Home to species like Wild Dogs (Dholes), Chinkara, Leopard, Otter, and Mugger crocodile.  
  ● Historical: Contains the renowned Chaturbhuj Nala rock shelters.