Two cheetahs released into tiger reserve, their third habitat in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya PradeshChief MinisterMohan 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.

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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.

“This new home for cheetahs has its own unique characteristics. While we care for our wildlife, it is also our responsibility to care for our villagers,” the CM said.

Villagers rewarded

In the current year, nearly ₹80 crore was collected through the sanctuaries in M.P., of which ₹20 crore was distributed to the residents of surrounding villages. “This is their right, as they have been living around these sanctuaries for years,” he said.