New Home for Vyom and Neera: Cheetahs Released in Madhya Pradesh
CM Mohan Yadav releases cheetahs Vyom and Neera into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, creating a third habitat for the species in the state.
In a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav officially released two cheetahs, named Vyom and Neera, into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district on Wednesday. This move marks the establishment of the third cheetah habitat in the state.
A New Phase for the Cheetah Project
The male and female cheetahs, relocated from Kuno National Park, are part of an ambitious initiative to expand the species' footprint in India. CM Yadav noted that this release marks a new phase for the Cheetah Project, which was originally launched in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Our government decided to develop the third habitat for cheetahs at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in the state. I am happy that today two cheetahs, a male and a female, have been given the names Vyom and Neera and they have been released here,” the Chief Minister stated.
Restoring an Extinct Species
The reintroduction of cheetahs into India has become a global case study for restoring species that had previously vanished from the continent. According to CM Yadav, the success of this project is evident as the total cheetah population has now grown to 60.
“It is a matter of great fortune for us that a species which had become extinct from Asia has been successfully reintroduced in our state, setting an excellent example of restoring a species. Today, the total population of cheetahs has increased to 60,” Yadav remarked. He added that the growing ecosystem is expected to strengthen the local wildlife landscape significantly.
Synergy Between Cheetahs and Tigers
The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, also known as the Nauradehi Tiger Reserve, offers a unique environment for the new inhabitants. The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the location, noting that the reserve is already a thriving home to tigers.
“The most important aspect is that where we are releasing the cheetahs, it is already a home to tigers. The way the area has been managed, tigers will live comfortably here and the cheetah family will also settle here,” Yadav said, adding that comprehensive arrangements for food and the maintenance of other wildlife populations are already in place.
Expanding Tourism and Employment
Beyond the ecological benefits, the expansion of the cheetah habitat is expected to drive economic growth in the region. The Chief Minister emphasized that the presence of these iconic animals will bolster wildlife tourism, which in turn will create new employment opportunities for local communities.
About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Spanning approximately 2,339 square kilometres across the Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Key facts include:
- Established: 1997
- Tiger Reserve Status: Granted on September 20, 2023.
- Current Inhabitants: Tigers, leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai, and bears.
- Conservation Importance: A vital area for the protection of endangered Indian vulture species.