Madhya Pradesh: Hub of Big Cats and Tourism

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted the state's status as a prime destination for wildlife tourism, attracting over 25 lakh tourists annually to its seven tiger reserves. Celebrating International Tiger Day, Yadav emphasized the tiger's supremacy in the jungle and detailed the state's recent reintroduction of cheetahs.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Monday that the state's seven tiger reserves attract over 25 lakh tourists each year.

During an International Tiger Day event, Yadav underscored Madhya Pradesh's unique position on Asia's wildlife map, being home to the largest number of tigers in India and now also housing cheetahs.

He argued that the tiger is the true king of the jungle, surpassing the lion in strength, courage, and agility. Citing the tiger's hunting prowess, Yadav called for emulation of its 'courage and endeavor'.

Yadav also mentioned that cheetahs and tigers roam freely in Sheopur's Kuno National Park, which sometimes leads them into neighboring Rajasthan. He added that keeping cheetahs fenced, as done in Africa, would be too costly. Presently, Kuno National Park houses 26 cheetahs, including 13 adults.

The Chief Minister highlighted the tiger population increase from 526 in 2018 to 785 in 2022, as reported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India. He also discussed the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, which saw 20 cheetahs brought to Kuno National Park from Namibia and South Africa.