Madhya Pradesh to Bring Back Lost Wild Buffaloes: 50 to Be Translocated From Assam’s Manas to Kanha Tiger Reserve:
India is witnessing another historic moment in wildlife recovery. After reintroducing cheetahs, Madhya Pradesh is now preparing to bring back a species that disappeared from its forests decades ago — the endangered wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee). In a landmark decision, the state will receive 50 genetically pure wild buffaloes from Assam’s Manas National Park, marking one of the country’s most ambitious rewilding efforts.
A Species Returning Home After Decades
Once abundant in Central India, wild buffaloes gradually vanished due to:
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Habitat loss
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Poaching
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Hybridization with domestic buffaloes
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Disease outbreaks
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Wetland degradation
The translocation project aims to restore a missing keystone species and revive the ecological balance of Kanha’s grassland–wetland ecosystem.
Why Manas National Park?
Assam’s Manas National Park holds one of the last genetically pure populations of wild buffaloes. The animals here also thrive in floodplain grasslands and marshy habitats, similar to Kanha’s meadows and water bodies, making them ideal candidates for translocation.
Why Kanha Tiger Reserve?
Kanha was chosen for its ideal habitat:
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Vast grasslands
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Permanent wetlands
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Rich fodder availability
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High protection standards
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Active tiger and prey management
The reserve already has a strong conservation track record, including successful reintroductions of barasingha.
How the Translocation Will Work
The translocation will take place in multiple phases, ensuring animal safety and stress reduction:
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Capture and veterinary health check in Manas
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Quarantine and tagging for monitoring
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Secure transportation to Kanha
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Soft release in pre-fenced acclimatization zones
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Continuous post-release monitoring with:
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GPS collars
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Camera traps
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Field patrol teams
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Wildlife experts will monitor behavior, adaptation, breeding, and habitat use.
Benefits to India’s Ecology
Reintroducing wild buffaloes will help:
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Restore grassland ecology
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Improve seed dispersal
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Support wetland regeneration
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Strengthen prey base for predators
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Boost biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
This restoration aligns with India’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Challenges Ahead
The project must address:
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Disease control
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Preventing hybridization
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Managing interactions with domestic livestock
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Ensuring habitat connectivity
However, coordination between Assam, Madhya Pradesh, NTCA, and wildlife scientists is expected to mitigate risks.
FAQ Section
1. Why are wild buffaloes being reintroduced in MP?
They went extinct in the region, and reintroducing them restores natural ecosystems and revives a native species.
2. Why select Assam’s Manas population?
Because it has genetically pure wild buffaloes, ensuring long-term conservation success.
3. How many buffaloes will be moved?
A total of 50 individuals, translocated in phases.
4. Is Kanha suitable for wild buffaloes?
Yes — its wetlands, grasslands, and protection standards are ideal.
5. How will they be monitored?
Through GPS tagging, camera traps, field patrols, and veterinary observation.
PAA (People Also Ask) SEO Section
How will this reintroduction help the ecosystem?
Wild buffaloes maintain grasslands, disperse seeds, and support predator-prey balance.
What are the main challenges?
Disease management, hybridization prevention, and habitat fragmentation.
Has MP reintroduced wildlife successfully before?
Yes — MP successfully reintroduced African cheetahs under Project Cheetah.
Conclusion
With this bold translocation initiative, Madhya Pradesh continues to lead India’s conservation story. Bringing wild buffaloes back to Kanha is not just about reviving a lost species — it is about healing ecosystems, restoring balance, and protecting India’s natural heritage for future generations. This milestone, following the cheetah reintroduction, showcases India’s growing expertise in scientific wildlife management and ecological restoration.
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