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Wild Buffalo Returns to Kanha After a Century in Major Conservation Boost

Madhya Pradesh reintroduces wild buffalo in Kanha Tiger Reserve after over a century, with CM Mohan Yadav launching the programme. Four buffaloes from Kaziranga National Park are released in the first phase, with plans for 50 total. The initiative is part of a wildlife exchange agreement with Assam, including rhinos and tigers. The reintroduction follows a century of absence due to hunting and habitat loss.

Key Points: Wild Buffalo Reintroduction in Kanha Tiger Reserve

  • First phase of reintroduction begins in Kanha's Supkhar and Topla areas
  • Four wild buffaloes released from Kaziranga National Park
  • Total of 50 buffaloes to be introduced over time
  • Part of wildlife exchange between Madhya Pradesh and Assam
2 min read

After a century, wild buffalo to be reintroduced in Madhya Pradesh's Kanha reserve

Madhya Pradesh reintroduces wild buffalo in Kanha Tiger Reserve after 100 years. CM Mohan Yadav launches project with animals from Kaziranga.

"The return of wild buffalo will further strengthen the state's biodiversity and ecological balance. - Mohan Yadav"

Bhopal, April 27

In a major boost to wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh is set to witness the return of wild buffalo after more than a century, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav scheduled to formally launch the reintroduction programme in Balaghat on Tuesday.

The initiative will begin in the Supkhar and Topla areas of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, where the Chief Minister will release a group of four wild buffaloes -- three females and one male -- into their natural habitat.

This marks the first phase of an ambitious plan to establish a viable wild buffalo population in the state.

The animals are being translocated from Kaziranga National Park, which currently holds one of the largest populations of the species.

Officials in the Forest Department said a total of 50 buffaloes will be introduced over time as part of a scientifically designed "founder population", with eight animals scheduled for relocation in the current season.

The process is being closely monitored by experts and veterinarians from both reserves.

The programme also signals a broader wildlife cooperation agreement between Madhya Pradesh and Assam.

As part of this exchange, two pairs of rhinos will be brought to Van Vihar National Park, while Madhya Pradesh will send three tigers and six crocodiles to Assam.

The agreement was finalised during discussions between Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Yadav said the return of wild buffalo, following the success of Project Cheetah, will further strengthen the state's biodiversity and ecological balance.

He noted that Madhya Pradesh, already known as the "Tiger State" and "Leopard State", is now expanding its conservation efforts.

Wild buffalo had disappeared from the region due to excessive hunting, habitat degradation and human interference, with the last recorded sighting in Kanha's Supkhar region dating back to 1979.

A study by the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha's grasslands, water availability and low human disturbance as ideal for their reintroduction.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good news for conservation, but I wonder about the long-term success. The last buffalo was seen in 1979—habitat degradation was the reason. We need strict anti-poaching measures and local community involvement. Otherwise, it's just a photo op. 🤔
M
Michael C
Great to see inter-state cooperation for wildlife! MP sending tigers and crocodiles to Assam in exchange for rhinos and buffalo—this is how conservation should work. Cheetah project was a learning curve; hope they apply those lessons here. 👍
A
Arjun K
As a wildlife enthusiast, this is heartening! The WII study confirms Kanha's grasslands are perfect. But we must also focus on reducing human-animal conflict in nearby villages. Buffaloes need space to roam without encroachment. Let's hope it's not just a political announcement.
R
Riya H
Finally some good news from MP! The last sighting was in 1979—I remember reading about it in school. This feels like correcting a historical wrong. Kudos to the forest department and Kaziranga team for helping. Now, please keep the poachers away! 😠

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