50 Wild Buffaloes from Assam to Arrive in Madhya Pradesh Over the Next Three Years
A major step has been taken towards strengthening the biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh. Fifty wild buffaloes will be brought from Assam to Madhya Pradesh in a phased manner over the next three years, arriving in three separate groups.
Along with the buffaloes, one pair of rhinoceros and three cobras will also be transferred to the state during this period. All these wild animals will be housed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal.
In exchange, Madhya Pradesh will provide Assam with one pair of tigers and six crocodiles. This wildlife exchange agreement was finalized during a meeting between Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Thursday.
Both states described the initiative as a historic step toward wildlife conservation and the promotion of biodiversity.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh has already established its identity as the “Tiger State” and “Leopard State.” After the successful reintroduction of cheetahs, the return of wild buffaloes will add a new dimension to the state’s biodiversity.
He emphasized that this initiative will not only help conserve an endangered species but will also strengthen forest ecosystems.
It is noteworthy that the population of wild buffaloes in Madhya Pradesh became extinct more than a century ago. Currently, their natural presence is largely limited to Assam, with very few remaining in Chhattisgarh.
A scientific study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, has identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as the most suitable area for the reintroduction of wild buffaloes.
Based on this study, the state government has initiated the process of obtaining necessary approvals from the Central Zoo Authority and the Government of India. Officials have assured that the reintroduction will be carried out in a fully scientific, safe, and phased manner, ensuring ecological balance alongside wildlife conservation.