Wild buffaloes have been reintroduced into Madhya Pradesh after about a century with Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurating the Wild Buffalo Reintroduction Project at Supkhar in the Balaghat district on Tuesday by releasing four wild buffaloes, three females and a male, brought from the Kaziranga National Park of Assam.
The wild buffalo species have been translocated to the Kanha Tiger Reserve of MP, as part of ongoing efforts to enrich biodiversity.
Dr Yadav described the initiative as the next chapter in the state’s biodiversity conservation. The wild buffaloes from Kaziranga National Park were soft-released into big enclosures in the Supkhar area of Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The chief minister said the day marks a historic occasion for Madhya Pradesh, as wild buffaloes are being reintroduced after nearly a century. He noted that this initiative presents a remarkable opportunity for wildlife and ecological conservation in the state, as the reintroduction will support grassland conservation and strengthen the ecosystem.
“This will enrich forests, boost wildlife populations, and create local employment opportunities through tourism”, he added.
He stated that Madhya Pradesh is already recognised as a ‘Tiger State’ and ‘Cheetah State’, and it also has significant populations of crocodiles, gharials and wolves. The state has also emerged as a ‘Vulture State’.
He emphasised that the reintroduction of species that had disappeared centuries ago is helping realise the vision of wildlife conservation in the state’s rich forests. “Madhya Pradesh is setting an example for the nation in wildlife conservation, and these efforts will benefit future generations. Alongside infrastructure development, the state government is committed to strengthening ecological systems”, he emphasized.
According to state government officials, the four wild buffaloes were brought on a 2,000 km journey from Kaziranga to Kanha Tiger Reserve on 25 April. The translocation was carried out under the supervision of senior officials and experienced veterinarians from both Kaziranga and Kanha.
A study by the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as the most suitable site for reintroduction due to its vast grasslands, sufficient water sources, and minimal human interference.