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Buffaloes Return to Kanha After Century-Long Absence
12 Jan
Summary
- Wild buffaloes are returning to Kanha Tiger Reserve after over 100 years.
- 10 buffaloes from Assam are expected by February-March 2026.
- This reintroduction is part of a wildlife exchange program with Assam.
A historic reintroduction of wild buffaloes is underway in Madhya Pradesh's Kanha Tiger Reserve, with the first 10 animals expected from Assam by February-March 2026. This initiative marks the return of a species absent from the state for over a century, transforming a former Maoist corridor into a wildlife haven.
The planned translocation is a key component of a wildlife exchange agreement between Assam and Madhya Pradesh. Over five years, 50 wild buffaloes will be brought to Kanha, while Madhya Pradesh will send tigers and crocodiles to Assam. The project has received necessary approvals, including from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Conservation experts emphasize the ecological importance of wild buffaloes in maintaining healthy grasslands and wetlands. Their grazing habits are vital for vegetation regeneration and support a balanced food chain, benefiting other herbivores and apex predators. The project aims to establish a stable, breeding population, signifying a significant conservation success.
