Context: Recently it was announced that the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will be the second home for cheetahs in India.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located on the northern boundary of the Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh.

• It is named after the Gandhi Sagar Dam which is situated on the Chambal River.

• It was notified in the year 1974 and added to the list of sanctuaries in 1984.

• River flowing through it: The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two distinct parts.

• Topography: The sanctuary boasts a varied landscape, featuring hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam on the Chambal River.

• Vegetation: It lies in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

• Cultural significance: The sanctuary is home to numerous sites of historical, archaeological, and religious importance, including Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath Temple, Bhadkaji Rock Paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh Fort and Taxakeshwar Temple

• Flora: The primary tree species in the sanctuary are Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu and Palash

• Fauna: The sanctuary supports a diverse range of wildlife, including chinkara, Nilgai, Spotted Deer, Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, Jackal, Crocodiles, otters, turtles and various fishes.