MP Begins Historic Reintroduction Of Wild Buffaloes After 150 Years In Kanha Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh has launched a major wildlife restoration effort to reintroduce wild buffaloes into its forests after a gap of nearly 150 years, marking a significant step in rebuilding lost biodiversity in central India.

The first batch of animals has been brought from Kaziranga National Park in Assam to Kanha Tiger Reserve , with officials confirming that four buffaloes have already reached the reserve safely. The animals were transported over a long inter-state route in specially designed vehicles under continuous veterinary supervision.

Forest department officials said the buffaloes are currently under quarantine observation and will remain in controlled enclosures as part of a soft-release protocol before being gradually introduced into the wild. Veterinary teams from Kanha and Satpura Tiger Reserves are monitoring their health, and authorities confirmed the animals are stable.

The programme is part of a phased plan to introduce around 50 wild buffaloes into Madhya Pradesh forests over time to rebuild a viable breeding population. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is expected to oversee the formal release process.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Subharanjan Sen said the animals were sourced from Assam due to the limited population in neighbouring states such as Chhattisgarh. He also noted that Assam has shown interest in receiving species like gharials under a possible exchange arrangement.

Officials said the eastern Kanha landscape has been selected for release due to its suitable grassland habitat, water availability, and ecological compatibility with the species’ requirements.

Wildlife experts describe the initiative as a major conservation milestone aimed at restoring a species that once formed an important part of central India’s forest ecosystem and disappeared due to hunting and habitat loss.