The return of wild buffaloes has started in Madhya Pradesh after 100 years. They are being rehabilitated by bringing them from Kaziranga to Kanha Tiger Reserve. This initiative is an important step towards increasing bio-diversity and strengthening the forest ecology.
Bhopal. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that after the historic success of cheetah restoration, the return of wild buffaloes will give a new dimension to the biodiversity of the state. The plan to rehabilitate the long-extinct ‘Wild Buffalo’ species is now on the ground.
This campaign will be formally launched on April 28 in Soupkhar and Topla areas of Balaghat district. During this time, the Chief Minister will release 4 wild buffaloes (3 females and 1 male) in their new natural habitat in Soupkhar. Ministers, officials and local public representatives will also be present in the program. This initiative will not only conserve this species but will also strengthen the forest ecosystem of the state.
Kaziranga to Kanha: Historic Translocation Project
Under this ambitious project, wild buffaloes are being brought from Kaziranga in Assam to Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. In the first phase, a group of 4 buffaloes has started its journey. A total of 50 buffaloes are targeted to be settled as ‘founder population’ while 8 buffaloes will be translocated this season. The entire process is being done scientifically under the supervision of experts and veterinarians.
MP-Assam Wildlife Cooperation: Exchange of Rhino, Tiger and Crocodile
With this project, wildlife conservation cooperation between Madhya Pradesh and Assam is also increasing. Two pairs of rhinos from Assam will be brought to Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal. In return, Madhya Pradesh will give 3 tigers and 6 crocodiles to Assam. This agreement was agreed upon in the meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states.
‘After leopard, now buffalo’: New initiative to promote biodiversity
The Chief Minister said that after the restoration of cheetah, the return of wild buffalo will further strengthen the bio-diversity. Madhya Pradesh has already earned its identity as ‘Tiger State’ and ‘Leopard State’. Now this new initiative will take the state further in wildlife conservation.
Why is restoration of wild buffalo important?
The population of wild buffaloes in Madhya Pradesh had vanished about 100 years ago. They were last seen in Soupkhar area of Kanha around 1979. The main reasons for their extinction have been hunting, human interference, habitat loss and destruction of grasslands.
Today their natural population survives mainly in Assam, while their numbers are very less in Chhattisgarh.
Why is Kanha Tiger Reserve most suitable?
According to the study of Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Kanha Tiger Reserve is the most suitable place for wild buffaloes. It has favorable conditions like extensive grassland, adequate water sources and less human interference, which are essential for the growth of this species.
Important step towards balancing nature
This ‘wild-to-wild’ restoration project will enter a new phase with the release of bison into Soupkhar. Experts believe that this will strengthen the grassland ecology of Kanha and improve the bio-diversity balance. This initiative is an important conservation campaign being run by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department under the leadership of the Chief Minister, which can become a model for the country in future.