Cheetahs Return to Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve After 114 Years

Cheetahs Reintroduced After Over a Century

The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed the return of cheetahs after a significant gap of 114 to 116 years. This marks a historic moment for wildlife conservation in the state.

On October 7, 2026, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released a male and a female cheetah, brought from Botswana, into a special enclosure within the reserve. The cheetahs have been named 'Vyom' (male) and 'Neera' (female).

A Milestone for Conservation and Biodiversity

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav hailed this event as a crucial achievement for Madhya Pradesh's wildlife conservation efforts and its natural heritage. He emphasized that the cheetah reintroduction in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will revitalise biodiversity and wildlife tourism in the Bundelkhand region.

“The rehabilitation of cheetahs in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will provide a new direction to biodiversity and wildlife tourism in the Bundelkhand region.” - Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of active participation from local communities in conservation and tourism activities, ensuring the initiative benefits the local population.

Renewed Energy for Wildlife Conservation in Bundelkhand

This tiger reserve, spanning the districts of Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur, is writing a new chapter in wildlife conservation in Bundelkhand with the return of the cheetahs. According to historical data, this is the first time cheetahs have been spotted in the Bundelkhand region since 1912.

This reintroduction is considered extremely significant not only for the wildlife but also for the ecology of the region. Historically, cheetahs roamed the forests of Madhya Pradesh, but their population declined drastically over time, leading to their extinction in the wild.

The rehabilitation of these cheetahs in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is a bold step towards re-establishing this endangered species. This initiative can also help restore the balance of the region's wildlife ecosystem.

New Opportunities for Tourism and Employment

The presence of cheetahs is expected to significantly boost wildlife tourism in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This will not only increase the number of tourists but also create new employment and livelihood opportunities at the local level.

The administration plans to pay special attention to the conservation of cheetahs and maintaining a conducive natural environment for them within the reserve, ensuring they live safe and healthy lives. This includes monitoring the cheetahs, ensuring the availability of sufficient prey species, and minimising any human interference.

Forest department officials stated that safe corridors for the cheetahs will be developed, and awareness campaigns will be conducted to involve local communities in conservation efforts. The successful rehabilitation of these cheetahs will not only enhance the pride of Bundelkhand but also position the region as a prominent destination on the wildlife tourism map.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also emphasised that the arrival of cheetahs will send a positive ecological message to the region, inspiring people towards the conservation of other wildlife. This project is a vital part of India's Cheetah Reintroduction Program, which aims to increase the cheetah population across the country.