In a major conservation initiative, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav held discussions with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati, culminating in a principled agreement for the exchange of wild animals between the two states. The move is aimed at strengthening biodiversity and restoring species that have disappeared from certain regions.
As part of the agreement, Assam will transfer 50 wild water buffaloes to Madhya Pradesh in a phased manner over the next three years. Alongside the buffaloes, a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses and three king cobras will also be relocated. The rhinos and cobras will initially be kept at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal to allow acclimatisation and enable public awareness, while the buffaloes will be released into their historical range at Kanha Tiger Reserve.
In return, Madhya Pradesh will send a pair of tigers and six mugger crocodiles to Assam, contributing to greater species diversity in the northeastern state.
Announcing the decision on social media, Chief Minister Dr Yadav said the initiative would further enrich Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife heritage. He noted that the extinct wild water buffalo species would be reintroduced into the state, with Kanha Tiger Reserve identified as the release site.
Dr Yadav said the programme builds on the state’s recent conservation successes, including the reintroduction of cheetahs at Kuno National Park. He added that Madhya Pradesh, already recognised nationally as the “Tiger State” and “Leopard State,” is now focused on reviving species that once thrived in its forests.
The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), classified as endangered, disappeared from Madhya Pradesh more than a century ago. Today, India’s remaining population is largely confined to Assam, especially in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, while global numbers are estimated to be below 4,000.
A detailed assessment conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, has identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as a suitable site for reintroduction due to its extensive grasslands, reliable water availability, minimal human disturbance, and favourable ecological conditions for large herbivores.
Officials believe the inter-state collaboration will mark a significant step forward in India’s long-term wildlife conservation strategy.
