Spotted Deer Release Boosts Cheetah Reintroduction in Gandhisagar Sanctuary

Gandhisagar Sanctuary has released 28 spotted deer to enhance prey options for cheetahs, a crucial step in making it their secondary habitat after Kuno National Park. This initiative involves relocating 1,250 of these deer, complementing previous reintroductions in Kuno National Park.

In a strategic enhancement of Gandhisagar Sanctuary's ecosystem, 28 spotted deer were released to bolster the prey base for cheetahs, officials announced on Thursday. This move is part of a larger plan to establish this sanctuary as a second habitat for the big cats, following Kuno National Park.

The sanctuary's efforts will eventually include the relocation of a total of 1,250 spotted deer, known scientifically as chital. This release involved 18 male and 10 female deer, sourced from Kanha National Park, adding to the 434 deer already released, including 120 males and 314 females.

A Kenyan delegation recently visited the sanctuary to align on the plans. Cheetahs were first reintroduced in Kuno from Namibia and South Africa in a landmark conservation effort, and currently, 24 cheetahs, including cubs, reside there.

(With inputs from agencies.)