Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary: A New Haven for Tigers

Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has transformed from a transit corridor to a thriving habitat for 16 tigers, thanks to conservation efforts. The sanctuary has seen a boost in tiger population due to increased protection, ample prey, and local community involvement, establishing it as a model for wildlife conservation.

Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, once merely a transit route for tigers, has now become a thriving habitat, boasting a population of nearly 16 tigers and cubs due to successful conservation efforts. Officials attribute this growth to villagers' rehabilitation and an enriched prey base, transforming the sanctuary from a deforestation hotspot into a tiger haven.

Kheoni superintendent, Vikas Mahore, revealed that the sanctuary now hosts 10 adult tigers and six cubs, a significant change from its past when tiger sightings were rare. The sanctuary, forming part of a crucial wildlife corridor, has expanded to include dry deciduous forests across two districts in Madhya Pradesh.

Efforts to foster a safe habitat, involving the local community in eco-tourism, have enhanced conservation awareness and employment. The state's government aims to position Kheoni as a model for eco-tourism, with popular tigers 'Yuvraj' and 'Meera' becoming social media sensations. The sanctuary's transformation exemplifies a successful decentralized approach to tiger conservation.