BHOPAL: In light of recent incidents involving cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh wandering into Rajasthan, a joint committee has been established to oversee and enhance the conservation of these animals. This collaborative effort aims to manage the wildlife corridor connecting both states, officials reported on Tuesday.

The committee will assess the potential for new habitats to facilitate future relocations of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. It will also provide recommendations for habitat improvements, including upgrades to existing environments, an official statement said.

Under India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction initiative, eight cheetahs from Namibia were introduced to KNP in Sheopur district in September 2022. Another twelve cheetahs arrived from South Africa in February 2023. However, incidents involving cheetahs straying have prompted the need for closer coordination between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Notably, a cheetah entered Rajasthan’s Karoli district in May 2023 and was safely brought back to KNP, while a similar event occurred in December 2023 in Baran district.

The newly formed committee will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to facilitate studies on wildlife corridors for cheetah movement and conservation. Discussions will also focus on training officers and frontline staff involved in cheetah monitoring and protection along the corridors linking Kuno and Rajasthan.

In addition, the committee plans to explore potential joint tourism initiatives in regions like the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno National Park, and Ranthambore National Park. The committee is co-chaired by the Principal Chief Conservators of Forest and Chief Conservators (Wildlife) from both states. Other members include senior wildlife officials from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, representatives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and an expert from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.

Over the past two years, KNP has witnessed the birth of 17 cheetah cubs, marking a positive milestone in India’s cheetah reintroduction project. However, the initiative has also faced challenges, with eight adult cheetahs and five cubs reported lost within the same period. Currently, KNP is home to 24 cheetahs, including cubs, according to officials.

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