Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

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Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Editor, 2024-06-18
Tags: Prelims, Mains, GS 3, Environment and biodiversity, Conservation.
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Why in the news?
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* The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be the second home for cheetahs in India, after the
Kuno National Park.
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Background
* The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it has completed its preparations for the
ambitious project.
What makes Gandhi Sagar an ideal habitat for cheetahs?

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* Vast and diverse area: Spanning 368.62 square kilometers, the sanctuary straddles the districts
of Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) in western Madhya Pradesh, right at
the Rajasthan border.
* This extensive area provides ample space for the cheetahs to roam and hunt.
* Strategic geographic features:
* The sanctuary is situated atop a flat rocky plateau, divided almost equally by the Chambal River.
* The river, which flows through the sanctuary, creates a natural corridor and diverse
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microhabitats.
* The Gandhi Sagar Dam, built on the river in 1960, and parts of its 726 square kilometer
reservoir, the third largest in the country, lie within the sanctuary, adding to the ecological
diversity.
* Unique savanna ecosystem:
* Due to the rocky terrain and exposed sheetrock, the topsoil is shallow, fostering a savanna
ecosystem.
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* This consists of open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees and shrubs, ideal for
cheetahs that thrive in similar habitats.
* The riverine valleys within the sanctuary, being evergreen, add to the habitat complexity,
providing a varied landscape that supports a rich biodiversity.
* Potential for expansion: The sanctuary's core area can be expanded significantly, relying on a
unified management plan from the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
currentaffairs.shubhraranjan.com
* This potential for growth ensures that the habitat can sustain a viable cheetah population over
the long term, enhancing conservation efforts.
What is the biggest challenge to making Gandhi Sagar a viable cheetah habitat?
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* Insufficient prey base: To support a stable cheetah population, the prey base needs significant
augmentation. Currently, prey animals like chital and gaurs have been relocated from other
reserves, but their numbers are still insufficient.
* Prey relocation challenges: Efforts are underway to relocate around 5,000 antelopes to Gandhi
Sagar. However, this process is fraught with difficulties, including potential mortalities due to
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stress during capture and relocation.
* Predator competition: The existing leopard population poses a direct threat to cheetahs,
leading to competition for the same prey and potential conflicts. Besides leopards, other
predators such as sloth bears, striped hyenas, gray wolves, etc,.
* Low ungulate densities: Despite the reasonably good habitat status, ungulate densities remain
low, possibly due to the presence of meat-eating communities in the area. This further
complicates the establishment of a sustainable prey base.
How will Gandhi Sagar be developed over time?
* Initial focus on western section: According to the 2021 report, the first phase of development
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should target the area west of the Chambal River, allowing cheetah reintroduction to commence
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once a sufficient prey base is established.
* Development priorities: Wildlife officials recommend focusing on the Neemuch side of the
Chambal initially. The river serves as a natural barrier, preventing casual wildlife movement
between the sanctuary's two halves, which aids in managing and monitoring the reintroduced
cheetahs.
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* Managing human activity: The eastern side of the sanctuary (Mandsaur side) experiences more
human activity, including the Gandhi Sagar township, which houses employees of the
hydroelectric project. This side will be managed carefully to minimize disturbances to wildlife.
* Agriculture and livestock: Currently, the banks of the reservoir see some agriculture and
livestock rearing, with commercial fishing in the reservoir itself.
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Conclusion
* Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is poised to become the second home for cheetahs in India
after Kuno National Park. With careful planning and management, Gandhi Sagar can provide a
sustainable habitat for cheetahs, contributing significantly to their conservation.
Prelims Previous Year Questions

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Pre- 2020 Q) Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a
sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is
exclusively graminivorous?
1. Kanha National Park

2. Manas National Park
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
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4. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: a
Pre- 2019 Q) Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine
zone?
1. Manas National Park
2. Namdapha National Park
3. Neora Valley National Park
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4. Valley of Flowers National Park
Answer: d
Source: Indian Express [https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/gandhi-sagar-wildlife-

sanctuary-being-as-second-home-for-cheetahs-9394736/]
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GS Paper 3
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Tags: Prelims, Mains, GS 3, Environment and biodiversity, Conservation.

What makes Gandhi Sagar an ideal habitat for cheetahs?

How will Gandhi Sagar be developed over time?

Prelims Previous Year Questions

1. Kanha National Park

4. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: Indian Express [https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/gandhi-sagar-wildlife-

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