Madhya Pradesh has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, home to several national parks where wild animals live in their natural habitat. Now, the state is all set to take another important decision by welcoming eight more cheetahs from Botswana on February 28. Read on further to find out more about the move.
Madhya Pradesh To Welcome 8 More Cheetahs
According to NDTV, Madhya Pradesh is all set to add eight more cheetahs from Botswana on February 28, strengthening India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme. With the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change extending full support, the decision comes after close collaboration between the state and the centre.
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The roadmap for the cheetah transfer was confirmed during a meeting between Bhupendar Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Dr Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
What Does Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Have To Say About This?
After the meeting, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav talked about the discussions that went beyond cheetahs. Talking about the same, Mohan Yadav stated that they discussed the large belt of reserve forests in Madhya Pradesh that is extremely important for the tourism industry. They also discussed bringing other animals, like wild buffaloes, from other states like Assam and are seeking assistance in the procedural matters.
Talking about the cheetahs’ arrival, Mohan Yadav said that they will be arriving from Botswana around February 28, 2026. And that they are satisfied with how the central government and the state government are working hand-in-hand to make the procedure smooth and to enhance the state’s wildlife resources.
How Is The Preparation Going?
As per NDTV, the forest officials also said that the preparations are already underway to ensure smooth monitoring, integration and quarantine for the cheetahs. The arrival from Botswana strengthens Project Cheetah, further placing India at the centre of global conservation discourse.
More About The Project Cheetah
The world’s first intercontinental translocation of a large carnivore was completed back in 2022-23, when 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were brought to India. The first eight cheetahs arrived at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022, and were personally released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Currently, India has 30 cheetahs in total, including 12 adults, 9 subadults, and 9 cubs, out of which 19 were born on Indian soil.
Image Courtesy: Pexels/Joost van Os
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