A historic chapter in wildlife conservation is set to be added for Sagar and Bundelkhand on the occasion of conclusion of Wildlife Conservation Week-2026. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will release two cheetahs brought from Kuno into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve on October 7. With this, it will become the third habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh.
The presence of cheetahs will promote wildlife tourism in Sagar and Bundelkhand and create new opportunities for employment and local economy. Tourists from different parts of country will visit the area, benefiting people associated with hotels, resorts, homestays, transportation, guides, vehicle driving, small businesses and handicrafts. Tourism-based economic activities in nearby rural areas will also receive a boost.
Special Arrangements for Cheetahs in 439-Hectare Area: After Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve has been developed as third habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh. Special arrangements have been made across approximately 439 hectares for safety and adaptation of cheetahs. A secure habitat equipped with modern enclosures (bomas) and other facilities has been prepared.
The Forest Department has ensured proper arrangements for the safety, regular monitoring and healthcare of the cheetahs. At the same time, a safe and suitable ecosystem has also been developed for other wildlife present in the area.
Largest Tiger Reserve in State: Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, also known as Nauradehi Tiger Reserve, is largest tiger reserve in the state, spread across approximately 2,339 square kilometres in Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts. Established in 1997, the area was granted tiger reserve status on September 20, 2023, after it was integrated with Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.
The area is a natural habitat for diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai and bears, and is also important for the conservation of endangered Indian vulture species.
Number of Cheetahs in Country Rises to 60: On October 5, 2026, a female cheetah born in India, KJP21, gave birth to five healthy cubs at Kuno National Park. With this, the number of cheetahs in the country has increased to 60, including 41 cheetahs born in India.
On October 7, the male Tholo and female CCB-3 will be brought from Kuno to Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. After their transfer, 54 cheetahs will remain at Kuno. At Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, South African-origin male cheetahs Prabhas and Pavak, female Dheera, and female Radha, which was brought from Botswana and released in September 2026, are present.
With the release of two cheetahs in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, the cheetah reintroduction campaign in Madhya Pradesh will enter a new phase.
