Two cheetahs released into tiger reserve, their third habitat in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, marking the third habitat for the species in the state. The initiative is part of India's ongoing Cheetah Project, which aims to expand the population and support local communities through tourism and homestay grants.
Why it matters
This reflects India's significant investment in wildlife conservation and biodiversity, balancing ecological goals with rural economic development.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Sagar district on Wednesday (October 7, 2026), marking the expansion of the cheetah conservation project .
He said it was a historic day for Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife, adding that the cats have been named Vyom and Neera.
After Kuno National Park in Sheopur district and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur, the tiger reserve in the Bundelkhand region will be the third cheetah habitat in M.P.
Officials said the cheetahs were released on the concluding day of ‘Wildlife Conservation Week’. During the event, Mr. Yadav also released the ‘Vulture Population Estimation 2026’ report and the book Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve , written in Bundelkhandi.
He said Madhya Pradesh has conducive cheetah habitats.
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