Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister recently announced that Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be developed as a second home for cheetahs within six months.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, with one of its boundaries running along the border of Rajasthan.
• The sanctuary was notified in 1974 and is spread over an area of 368 sq. km.
• A major part of the sanctuary consists of vast open landscapes with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain, with small patches of dense forests.
• River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• The principal tree species found in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary are Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash
• Flora: The principal tree species found here are Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu and Palash.
• Fauna- Herbivores like Chinkara, Nilgai and Spotted Deer, and carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena and Jackal are found in good numbers in the region.
• It also has a good population of crocodiles, fish, otters and turtles.
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the reservoir is also a designated Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)