Cheetah Corridor Management -In response to incidents of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh straying into Rajasthan, a joint corridor management committee has been formed to enhance conservation efforts. This committee will focus on developing secure movement corridors for cheetahs between Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh and nearby forests in Rajasthan. The new partnership aims to improve habitat conditions, address cheetah straying issues, and build a sustainable conservation framework for these rare felines.
Key Focus: Creating a Cheetah Corridor between Two States
The ten-member committee includes forest officials from both states, led by the Principal Chief Conservators of Forest (PCCFs) (wildlife) from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Their main objective is to establish a “Cheetah Conservancy Landscape” along a safe pathway for cheetah movement across state borders.
Why the Committee Was Formed
The need for this committee arose after several incidents where cheetahs from Kuno National Park strayed into Rajasthan, such as the cases in May 2024 and December 2023, highlighting the urgency of improved corridor management.
Committee’s Primary Responsibilities
1. Identifying Safe Pathways (Cheetah Conservancy Landscape)
The committee will pinpoint specific areas suitable for cheetah travel between KNP and Rajasthan, ensuring minimal disturbance to local wildlife.
2. Developing a Long-Term Strategy
Plans for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will guide the feasibility and long-term development of the cheetah corridor.
3. Enhancing Conservation and Tourism
The committee will explore opportunities for joint eco-tourism by linking national parks in both states, such as Kuno and Ranthambore, as well as the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, to encourage both conservation and tourism.
4. Capacity Building and Habitat Improvement
Training programs will be introduced to help officers monitor cheetah movements, manage straying incidents, and enhance grasslands and prey availability. These improvements will support future cheetah migrations from KNP or Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Background: Cheetah Translocation Project
In September 2022, India began its first-ever intercontinental cheetah translocation project, bringing eight cheetahs from Namibia to KNP, followed by twelve more from South Africa in early 2023. Since then, KNP has seen both challenges and growth in its cheetah population, with successful births and some fatalities. Currently, 24 cheetahs reside in KNP, including 12 cubs.
| Key Points | Details |
| Project Initiation | 2022, with cheetahs from Namibia & S. Africa |
| Current Population | 24 cheetahs at KNP, including 12 cubs |
| Recent Incidents | Cheetahs strayed to Rajasthan in May & Dec |
| Committee Formation | Jointly by Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan |
| Main Focus | Corridor management for safe cheetah travel |
Cheetah Corridor Management Summary
- Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan form a committee for cheetah corridor management.
- The goal is to create a safe passage for cheetahs between Kuno National Park and Rajasthan forests.
- The committee will identify pathways, boost habitat quality, and develop eco-tourism routes.
- Training will be provided to officers to manage cheetah movements effectively.
- The initiative aligns with the 2022 Cheetah Translocation Project to conserve cheetahs in India.
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FAQs on Cheetah Corridor Management
The committee was established due to incidents of cheetahs from Kuno National Park straying into Rajasthan, highlighting the need for better movement management.
Its main objective is to create a safe pathway for cheetah movement, enhance conservation, and build a sustainable corridor between the two states
The committee plans to link Kuno and Ranthambore National Parks and develop eco-tourism routes involving the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary
There are currently 24 cheetahs at Kuno, including 12 cubs born since the start of the project.
India began the cheetah translocation project in 2022, bringing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park
The MoU will guide the collaboration for corridor development, ensuring the safe movement of cheetahs between states.
Training will focus on monitoring, patrolling, and managing cheetah movements across the designated corridors
