The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) is poised to be the next major hub for Project Cheetah, representing a significant expansion of India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
📍 Reserve Overview
Aspect
Detail
Location
Madhya Pradesh (Central India). Spans across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts. Specifically highlighted as being at Nauradehi in Sagar district.
Establishment
Declared as the 7th Tiger Reserve of MP and the 54th in India in 2023.
Total Area
Approximately 2,339 km² (Core: $\approx 1,414$ km²; Buffer: $\approx 925$ km²).
Naming
Named after Veerangana Rani Durgavati, a heroic queen of the Gondwana kingdom.
Acts as a crucial corridor connecting established tiger habitats like Panna and Satpura Tiger Reserves.
Associated Sanctuaries
Formed by merging parts of the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
Historical Feature
Singorgarh Fort is located within the reserve area.
🐾 VDTR as the New Cheetah Habitat
Aspect
Detail
Status
Designated to become the third dedicated cheetah habitat in India.
Official Approval
The Madhya Pradesh State Cabinet has given in-principle approval for its development.
Timeline for Operation
Expected to become the new cheetah home before the monsoon next year (2026).
Purpose
To expand the gene pool and geographical range of the cheetah population, reducing pressure on Kuno National Park.
🇮🇳 Project Cheetah Context
Habitat
Location
Current Population/Status
1st Habitat
Kuno National Park (KNP), Sheopur, MP
Home to 28 cheetahs.
2nd Habitat
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandsaur, MP
Home to two cheetahs.
3rd Habitat
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Under development, expected to receive cheetahs in 2026.
CM’s Statement
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that “India, and Madhya Pradesh within India, is the only place in the world where cheetah rehabilitation is successful.”
Future Plans
Eight more cheetahs are expected to be brought to KNP from Botswana in January 2026.