In a landmark conservation effort, the Assam Forest Department and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department have begun the translocation of the endangered Asiatic wild water buffalo from Kaziranga Tiger Reserve to Kanha Tiger Reserve, marking the longest wildlife translocation by road within India.
The initiative aims to reintroduce the species to its historic range in Central India, where it has been locally extinct for over a century. These megaherbivores play a vital ecological role as “grassland engineers,” helping manage tall grasses and enhancing biodiversity in grassland ecosystems.
The Asiatic wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. With a global population of fewer than 4,000 individuals—around 99% found in Assam—the conservation of this species is critical. A study by the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha’s grasslands as highly suitable for reintroduction, closely resembling Kaziranga’s habitat. The project plans to translocate 50 buffaloes over the next year to establish a viable population. The species was last recorded in Kanha in 1979.
The project gained momentum following directives from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in January 2026. Extensive surveys and planning led to the identification of suitable herds in Kaziranga, and specialized holding enclosures, known as “Bomas,” were constructed for acclimatization and safe release. In the first phase, 15 buffaloes were selected for translocation.
Capture operations began on March 18, 2026, using safe chemical immobilization techniques under expert supervision. Between March 19 and April 10, seven sub-adult buffaloes were captured from different ranges of Kaziranga, along with one additional female from a rescue centre. The animals were kept in specially designed enclosures to ensure health monitoring and reduce stress before transport.
On April 25, 2026, the first batch of four buffaloes—one male and three females—was flagged off for Kanha. The convoy, equipped with veterinary support, fodder, and water, undertook a journey of over 2,000 km, reaching Kanha on April 28. The animals were received in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and placed in a controlled enclosure for further acclimatization before their eventual release into the wild. A second batch is scheduled to be transported by the end of April as part of the phased rewilding plan.
This translocation stands as one of the most ambitious wildlife conservation efforts in India, not only because of the distance covered but also due to its goal of establishing a sustainable population of 50 individuals. Strict protocols have been followed to ensure animal safety and welfare throughout the process, even under challenging weather conditions. The operation has also highlighted the capability and coordination of forest teams in handling large wild animals.
As a gesture to strengthen conservation collaboration, Madhya Pradesh has also expressed willingness to provide Gharial for potential reintroduction in Assam in the future.