Which location is being considered as a potential habitat for cheetahs as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah, despite it lacking sufficient prey for the species?

Solution

The Banni grasslands in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, have been identified as a potential habitat for cheetahs as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah. The Gujarat government is preparing enclosures in Banni for breeding cheetahs, with readiness expected within the next six months. Although Banni covers nearly 3,500 square kilometres, it currently lacks sufficient prey to support a cheetah population. To address this, there are plans to introduce prey species such as chital to sustain the cheetahs. While the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is the preferred location for the next batch of cheetahs, Banni has been considered a potential habitat for over a decade, indicating long-term planning and interest in the site for cheetah conservation efforts.