Wild Buffalo Restoration to Further Enrich State’s Biodiversity: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, during his visit to Guwahati on Thursday, held discussions with Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the exchange of wildlife between the two states. It was mutually agreed that 50 wild buffaloes will be brought from Assam to Madhya Pradesh in three groups over a period of three years. One pair of Rhinoceros and three cobras will be brought to the state. These animals will be housed at Van Vihar National Park. In return, Madhya Pradesh will provide one pair of tigers and six crocodiles to Assam, as per its request.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that following the successful reintroduction of cheetahs, the restoration of wild buffalo will add a new dimension to the state’s biodiversity. The initiative is a significant step not only toward conserving a species but also toward strengthening forest ecosystems across the state. Madhya Pradesh has already earned recognition as the ‘Tiger State’ and the ‘Leopard State’. Following the success of the cheetah reintroduction, the restoration of wild buffalo will mark a new chapter in biodiversity conservation. The state government remains committed to wildlife conservation, as well as to restoring species that were once an integral part of this land.

The wild buffalo population in Madhya Pradesh had vanished more than a century ago. At present, the natural population of wild buffaloes in India is largely confined to Assam. While they are also found in Chhattisgarh, their numbers there are extremely limited.

A detailed scientific study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India concluded that Kanha Tiger Reserve is the most suitable site for the reintroduction of wild buffalo. The study evaluated factors such as the quality of grasslands, availability of water sources, minimal human interference, and pressure from other herbivores.

The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated the process to obtain necessary approvals from the Central Zoo Authority and the Government of India. The reintroduction will be carried out in a phased and secure manner, keeping long-term conservation goals and natural breeding in mind.