The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has successfully completed the necessary arrangements for the translocation of approximately 50 wild Asiatic water buffaloes to the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, implementing this in a phased approach. According to Arun Vignesh, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the initial plan involves relocating around 15 buffaloes. However, due to logistical challenges, the authorities aim to first transfer only 5 to 6 buffaloes to evaluate the feasibility of the larger move before progressing to bigger groups.
The capture of the wild buffaloes, utilizing tranquillization methods, is slated to commence on March 18 and 19. Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi, the Kohora Central Range Officer, mentioned that a mock drill to prepare for these operations has already been conducted and will continue until all necessary preparations are finalized. Vignesh underscored that the Kanha Tiger Reserve previously hosted a population of wild buffaloes and that the Madhya Pradesh authorities are enthusiastic about reintroducing the species as part of a broader conservation effort. He emphasized the significance of translocating buffaloes to alternative habitats for the long-term conservation of the species.
The mock drill was orchestrated by a team from the Wild Buffalo Translocation Implementation Committee, and it is noteworthy that the Kaziranga National Park currently houses more than 1,000 Asiatic water buffaloes. Previous translocation initiatives were also noted, including a project where buffaloes were moved from Manas Tiger Reserve to Chhattisgarh.