Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Source:  NDTV

Context: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) in Madhya Pradesh will become the second home for African cheetahs after Kuno National Park (KNP).

• Two South African male cheetahs, Prabhas and Pavak, will be relocated from KNP to GSWS as part of India’s ongoing cheetah reintroduction project.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location:
  • Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border.
  • Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests
• Key Features:
  • Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and expanded in 1983 to cover 62 sq km.
  • The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two parts — western side in Nimach district and eastern side in Mandsaur district.
  • Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• Flora:
  • Forest types:
    • Northern tropical dry deciduous forests.
    • Dry mixed deciduous forests.
    • Dry deciduous scrub.
  • Principal tree species include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
• Fauna:
  • Herbivores: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Spotted Deer.
  • Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.
  • Aquatic species: Mugger Crocodile, Otters, Fish species, and Turtles.
• Rivers: The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and dividing the forest landscape.