Tiger couple resurrects MP’s ‘first’ sanctuary

For decades, the Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary was whispered about in conservation circles as a "quiet corridor"—a transit point for wandering tigers moving between the dense forests of Ratapani and the distant Melghat Tiger Reserve. As of early 2026, Kheoni has shed its reputation as a mere pathway, emerging as the primary breeding hub and residence for the Royal Bengal Tiger in the Malwa-Nimar region.The heart of this success story beats in the sanctuary's dominant pair— Yuvraj & Meera. Their presence has provided a "biological seal of approval" for the sanctuary's health. The excitement reached a fever pitch last month when the Dewas forest department confirmed the open secret: a healthy litter of three new cubs.The news has led to the rebirth of not only a tiger corridor but also of MP's ‘first' wildlife sanctuary. Spanning 134.7 sq. km, the Kheoni sanctuary has seen its resident tiger population swell to approximately a dozen. What was once a "lucky break" for a weary forest guard is now a daily reality for tourists: The tigers of Kheoni have become so "common" and bold that they are now frequently spotted lounging directly on safari tracks.Superintendent Vikash Mahorey revealed that Meera's cubs, now approximately four months old, were recently caught on camera traps feeding on prey. "During the initial months, Meera remained elusive and vigilant to protect her young," Mahorey said, adding, "Now that they are consuming solid food and exploring. They are the stars of the sanctuary."This successful breeding has been described as a biological miracle. DFO Amit Singh emphasized that such growth is only possible with a healthy prey base and a secure environment.While the ‘Tiger Boom' takes centre stage here, Kheoni's biodiversity extends far beyond the big cats. The sanctuary has recently recorded the rare sighting of Wild Dogs (Dholes), adding a new layer to its predator hierarchy. The forest is also home to the four-horned antelope (Chousingha), leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and jackals. As avian wonders, there are over 165 bird species, including the state bird—the Indian Paradise Flycatcher—and the elusive Sirkeer Malkoha.Historically, Kheoni's boundaries were expanded in 1982 to include the jungles of Sehore, a move that aided the current population explosion.The state govt is now looking to capitalise on this success. Plans are underway to establish the Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, which will be attached to Kheoni. This expansion aims to serve as a crucial bridge in the ‘Tiger Corridor' connecting central Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra. By creating this continuous stretch, authorities aim to facilitate genetic exchange and provide a natural "spillover" zone for young tigers like Meera's cubs as they eventually seek their own territories. For now, the "Striped Rebirth" of Kheoni stands as a shining example of how tigers can turn a quiet forest into a roaring success.