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Madhya Pradesh releases two cheetahs, expanding third habitat

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 6:26 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mohan Yadav Releases Cheetahs

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, creating the state’s third cheetah habitat.
The release occurred on October 7, 2026 during Wildlife Conservation Week.
Officials named the cheetahs Tholo and CCB-3, though some reports called them Vyom and Neera.
India’s cheetah population reached 60, with 41 locally born after KJP21 produced five cubs.
After the October 7 release, Kuno National Park’s cheetah count will be 54.

Summary

MP Forest Applies

Madhya Pradesh forest department applied to the National Tiger Conservation Authority for cheetah relocation.
Conservationists say cheetahs, tigers and leopards coexisted in India about a century ago.
Former WI dean YV Jhala warned cheetah losses to tigers may occur, but cheetahs can sense and evade predators.
The release marks the first African cheetahs roaming India’s rocky terrain inside a protected reserve.

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Mohan Yadav Releases Cheetahs

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, creating the state’s third cheetah habitat.
The release occurred on October 7, 2026 during Wildlife Conservation Week.
Officials named the cheetahs Tholo and CCB-3, though some reports called them Vyom and Neera.
India’s cheetah population reached 60, with 41 locally born after KJP21 produced five cubs.
After the October 7 release, Kuno National Park’s cheetah count will be 54.

1 / 2