Madhya Pradeshwildlife conservationcheetah reintroductionKuno National Parkhuman-animal conflict

Madhya Pradesh Expands Wildlife Conservation with Cheetah Release, New Habitats

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Published: May 10, 2026

Madhya Pradesh Expands Wildlife Conservation with Cheetah Release, New Habitats

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav oversaw the release of two female cheetahs from Botswana into the wild at Kuno National Park on May 10-11. The state is broadening its conservation strategy beyond tigers to include multiple species, habitat corridors, and conflict mitigation.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Kuno National Park on May 10 and 11 to oversee the release of two female cheetahs from Botswana into the wild from a soft-release boma. The move marks a key step in the state's expansion of wildlife conservation beyond its status as India's 'Tiger State' to a multi-species protection model.

The state government is implementing wildlife corridors, constructing underpasses and overpasses on NH-46 between Itarsi and Betul, and planning connected landscapes across Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna and Pench. A 13-km stone safety wall was inaugurated at Kuno to reduce human-animal conflict, while the state cabinet approved a Rs 47.11 crore project for wild elephant management, including surveillance, barriers and rapid response teams.

Compensation for fatalities due to wild animal attacks has been raised from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. The state has identified Gandhi Sagar and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries as additional cheetah habitats, with Nauradehi approved as part of the Rani Durgavati landscape. The cheetah population at Kuno reached 57 in April 2026 after four cubs, including the first wild-born litter from an Indian-born female, were recorded.

Madhya Pradesh has added Ratapani and Madhav National Park as its eighth and ninth tiger reserves, notified the 25th wildlife sanctuary in April 2025, and proposed Tapti in Betul as the state's first conservation reserve. Vulture conservation efforts at the Kerwa breeding centre have led to successful rescues and releases, including a cinereous vulture tracked toward Central Asia.

The state is preparing for further cheetah reintroductions and expanding protected networks in Omkareshwar and surrounding areas; officials said habitat readiness and corridor development will guide upcoming phases of the conservation plan.