Bhopal, Jan 9: In a significant move to enhance wildlife conservation across state lines, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Thursday. The two leaders reached a landmark agreement that facilitates the exchange of wild animals between their states, aiming to bolster biodiversity and revive species that have become locally extinct.
Under this agreement, Assam will transfer 50 wild water buffaloes to Madhya Pradesh over the next three years in a phased approach. Additionally, the plan includes sending a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses and three king cobras to Madhya Pradesh. Initially, the rhinos and king cobras will be housed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal for acclimatization and public viewing. The wild buffaloes will be reintroduced into their historical habitat at Kanha Tiger Reserve.
In exchange, Madhya Pradesh will provide Assam with a pair of tigers and six mugger crocodiles, contributing to the diversification and strengthening of Assam’s wildlife populations. Announcing the development on the social media platform X, Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that this initiative is vital for enriching wildlife and biodiversity in Madhya Pradesh. The reintroduction of the wild buffalo, which has been extinct in the state for over a century, marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts.
Dr. Yadav highlighted that this initiative builds upon the state’s recent successes in conservation, including the reintroduction of cheetahs at Kuno National Park. He reaffirmed Madhya Pradesh’s dedication to restoring species that once thrived in its forests, noting that the state is already recognized as the ‘Tiger State’ and ‘Leopard State’ of India.
The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), categorized as endangered, has a global population of fewer than 4,000, primarily residing in Assam’s Kaziranga and Manas National Parks. A comprehensive study by the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as an appropriate site for reintroduction, citing its vast grasslands, dependable water sources, minimal human disturbance, and favorable ecological conditions.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/assam-to-send-50-wild-buffaloes-pair-of-rhinos-to-mp-under-wildlife-pact-1603954
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2026-01-09 15:23:00
