What is the News ?

India is getting ready to bring in a new group of cheetahs from South Africa and release them into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Facts About:

• Location: Situated at the northern border of Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur and Nimach districts, adjacent to Rajasthan.
• Area: Covers 368.62 km2 (142.32 sq mi) and is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
• Establishment: Established in 1974 and officially designated as a sanctuary in 1984.
• River Chambal: Divides the sanctuary into two sections and adds to its unique landscape.
• Terrain: Features diverse topography, including hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam on the Chambal River.
• Cultural Significance: Houses historical, archaeological, and religious sites like Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, and Taxakeshwar temple.
• Flora: Dominated by tree species like Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
• Fauna: Home to herbivores such as Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer, as well as carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal. The sanctuary also hosts a variety of aquatic life, including crocodiles, fish, otters, and turtles.