In a landmark initiative for inter-state wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati to formalize an agreement for the exchange of wild animals. This collaboration aims to enhance biodiversity and restore species that have locally gone extinct. Under the agreement, Assam will translocate 50 wild water buffaloes to Madhya Pradesh over three years, as well as a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses and three king cobras. The rhinos and king cobras will be acclimatized and displayed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, while the wild buffaloes will be reintroduced into their historical habitat at Kanha Tiger Reserve.
In reciprocity, Madhya Pradesh will send a pair of tigers and six mugger crocodiles to Assam to bolster the state’s wildlife variety. CM Yadav expressed that this initiative is pivotal for enriching wildlife and biodiversity in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting that the wild buffalo, which has been extinct in the region for over a century, signifies a significant conservation achievement. He pointed out that this program builds on previous conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of cheetahs at Kuno National Park, reaffirming Madhya Pradesh’s dedication to restoring its historic wildlife. Notably, Madhya Pradesh is recognized as the “Tiger State” and “Leopard State.” The endangered wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) has a global population below 4,000, predominantly residing in Assam’s Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. A study by the Wildlife Institute of India indicated that the Kanha Tiger Reserve is habitat-appropriate for the buffalo’s reintroduction, owing to its ample grasslands, reliable water sources, and minimal human interference.