Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is a wildlife sanctuary spanning about 368 square kilometers along the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, adjacent to Rajasthan. Established in 1974 and expanded in 1983, it is divided by the Chambal River into two parts, featuring dry deciduous forests with trees like Khair, Salai, and Tendu.

The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including herbivores such as chinkara, nilgai, and spotted deer, as well as carnivores like Indian leopards and striped hyenas. It also harbors aquatic species including mugger crocodiles and otters. Gandhi Sagar is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and holds historical sites within its premises.

It plays a significant role in regional biodiversity conservation, water management around the Gandhi Sagar Dam, and serves as a new habitat for cheetah reintroduction following Kuno National Park. The sanctuary attracts eco-tourism for wildlife viewing, safaris, and birdwatching, contributing to ecological balance and scientific research. Efforts continue to mitigate threats from human activity to preserve its rich natural heritage.