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MP & Assam Swap Tigers for Rhinos, Buffaloes in Historic Wildlife Exchange

Madhya Pradesh and Assam have reached a landmark agreement for the inter-state exchange of endangered wildlife species. Assam will send 50 wild water buffaloes, a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses, and three king cobras to Madhya Pradesh over three years. In return, Madhya Pradesh will provide Assam with a pair of tigers and six mugger crocodiles. The initiative, following the cheetah reintroduction, aims to restore species like the wild buffalo, which became extinct in MP over a century ago.

Key Points: MP-Assam Wildlife Swap: Rhinos, Buffaloes for Tigers, Crocs

  • 50 wild water buffaloes to be translocated to MP
  • Pair of rhinos & king cobras also part of deal
  • MP to send tigers & mugger crocodiles to Assam
  • Reintroduction aims to restore species extinct locally for over a century
2 min read

MP to get 50 wild water buffaloes, rhinos and cobras from Assam in exchange for tigers, crocs

Madhya Pradesh and Assam agree to exchange endangered species, including rhinos and wild buffaloes for tigers, to boost biodiversity and conservation.

"Steps will be taken to enrich wildlife and biodiversity in Madhya Pradesh. The extinct wild buffalo species will be reintroduced... - Dr Mohan Yadav"

Bhopal, Jan 9

In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati, reaching a principled agreement on the inter-state exchange of wild animals.

The pact aims to enrich biodiversity in both states, particularly by reintroducing species extinct in certain regions.

Under the agreement, Assam will translocate 50 wild water buffaloes to Madhya Pradesh over the next three years, in phased groups.

Additionally, a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses and three king cobras will be sent to the state. These animals, including the rhinos and cobras, will initially be housed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal for acclimatisation and public viewing.

The wild buffaloes, however, will be reintroduced into their historic habitat at Kanha Tiger Reserve.

In exchange, Madhya Pradesh will provide Assam with a pair of tigers and six mugger crocodiles, helping diversify Assam's wildlife populations.

Announcing the development on his X handle, CM Yadav stated, "Steps will be taken to enrich wildlife and biodiversity in Madhya Pradesh. The extinct wild buffalo species will be reintroduced... 50 wild buffaloes, a pair of rhinos, and three cobras will be brought from Assam in the next 3 years. The buffaloes will be reintroduced in Kanha Tiger Reserve."

Dr Yadav emphasised that this initiative follows the successful reintroduction of cheetahs in Kuno National Park, adding a new dimension to Madhya Pradesh's conservation efforts.

The state, already known as the 'Tiger State' and 'Leopard State', is committed to restoring species that once roamed its forests.

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), an endangered species, became locally extinct in Madhya Pradesh over a century ago.

India's primary population is now concentrated in Assam, particularly in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, with global numbers under 4,000.

A comprehensive study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as ideal for reintroduction due to its abundant grasslands, water sources, low human interference, and suitable herbivore dynamics.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the intent is good, I hope the translocation is done with extreme care. Moving animals across such long distances is stressful for them. The focus should be on their welfare, not just political announcements.
V
Vikram M
MP getting rhinos and king cobras too? Van Vihar is going to become a major attraction! This is great for tourism and education. Our kids will get to see species they've only read about in books.
R
Rohit P
A fair exchange - tigers and crocs for buffaloes and rhinos. Both states benefit. Assam's expertise with rhinos and MP's with tigers can be shared. This is how federal cooperation should work for the environment.
P
Priya S
Hope the local communities around Kanha are consulted and involved. Sometimes these projects can lead to human-animal conflict if not managed properly. Conservation must include people.
M
Michael C
Interesting move after the cheetah project. Shows MP's serious about being a wildlife leader. The WII study gives confidence it's scientifically sound. Fingers crossed for the buffaloes!

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