Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Cheetahs Reach Madhya Pradesh’s Third Habitat at Durgavati Reserve
Two cheetahs have been moved to a new home in Madhya Pradesh called Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
It is the state’s third place for cheetahs, after Kuno and Gandhi Sagar.
Reports disagree about what the two cheetahs are called: some say Vyom and Neera, while another says Tholo and CCB-3.
The reserve already has tigers and leopards.
A conservationist said this may help people learn how cheetahs live in a place with those animals.
A protected area with enclosures has been prepared for the cheetahs.
Officials say the forest department will monitor and care for them.
They also hope the cheetahs will attract visitors and help local businesses.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve on Wednesday, October 7, according to reports.
Reports disagree on the cheetahs’ names: some identify them as Vyom and Neera, while another names Tholo and CCB-3.
The reserve is Madhya Pradesh’s third cheetah habitat, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
About 439 hectares have been prepared with secure enclosures and facilities for the cheetahs’ care and adaptation.
The reserve has tigers and leopards, offering an opportunity to study how introduced cheetahs use a landscape with those animals; officials also expect tourism and local economic benefits.
- Who
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and two cheetahs; reports differ on the cheetahs’ names.
- What
- Two cheetahs were released at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, making it Madhya Pradesh’s third cheetah habitat.
- When
- Wednesday, October 7; the reports do not consistently specify the year.
- Where
- Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, spanning Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts.
- Why
- To expand the cheetah conservation project; a conservationist said the move also creates an opportunity to study cheetahs in a landscape occupied by tigers and leopards.
Reports naming Vyom and Neera
Report naming Tholo and CCB-3
Names of the released cheetahs
Reports naming Vyom and Neera
Several reports say the released cheetahs were Vyom and Neera.
Report naming Tholo and CCB-3
Another report says the scheduled release involved male Tholo and female CCB-3.
- Habitat status
- Madhya Pradesh’s third cheetah habitat, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cheetah names reported
- Vyom and Neera in some reports; Tholo and CCB-3 in another
- Reserve area
- About 2,339 square kilometres
- Districts
- Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur
- Prepared cheetah area
- Approximately 439 hectares, with secure enclosures and other facilities
- Wildlife in the reserve
- Includes tigers and leopards, among other species
- Cheetah population cited
- 60 nationwide, including 41 born in India, according to one report
Sources
Cheetahs Get 3rd Indian Home In Durgavati Reserve To Study Coexistence With Tigers, Leopards
Cheetahs Get 3rd Habitat As CM Mohan Yadav Releases 2 Cheetahs In Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve Set To Become 3rd Home For Cheetahs In Madhya Pradesh
