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Gandhi Sagar Boosts Cheetah Numbers with Botswana Female
20 Sep
Summary
- A female cheetah from Botswana was released into Gandhi Sagar.
- This release aims to establish a new cheetah family in the sanctuary.
- This move supports Project Cheetah's goal of multiple habitats.
Gandhi Sagar National Park in Madhya Pradesh has received a new female cheetah, CCB-2, relocated from Botswana. The release, overseen by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on September 20, 2026, is a key development for Project Cheetah. CCB-2 joins two males and two females already at the sanctuary, aiming to establish a new cheetah family.
This move is part of a broader conservation strategy to develop multiple habitats for cheetahs, moving beyond the initial site at Kuno National Park. Gandhi Sagar, located near the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border, became India's second cheetah habitat in April 2025 with the arrival of two males. The arrival of CCB-2 is expected to balance the gender ratio and boost breeding prospects.
The expansion of cheetah habitats is crucial for the long-term success of Project Cheetah, which began in September 2022. This initiative aims to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild across India, addressing their extinction in the country. The recent birth of four cubs to an India-born cheetah at Kuno National Park also signifies progress, bringing the total population to 56 as of September 2026.
