In a major step towards wildlife conservation and species restoration, authorities have initiated plans to translocate wild water buffaloes from Kaziranga National Park to Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Forest officials said the translocation will be carried out in a phased manner, beginning with a small group of five to six animals. The initial phase is aimed at assessing the adaptability and survival of the species in a new habitat before expanding the programme.
The initiative is part of a broader conservation strategy to reintroduce wild buffaloes to central India, where they once thrived but gradually became extinct due to habitat loss and human pressures. Officials noted that Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to one of the largest and most genetically pure populations of wild water buffaloes, making it a suitable source for the programme.
The process will involve tranquilising selected animals, conducting thorough health examinations, and keeping them under observation in temporary enclosures before transport. Special teams have already conducted mock drills to ensure the safe capture and relocation of the animals.
After being transported, the buffaloes will undergo an acclimatisation period within enclosed areas in Kanha before being released into the wild. Experts believe that the reserve’s grassland and wetland ecosystems are well-suited to support a stable population of the species.
Officials added that the move reflects growing inter-state cooperation in wildlife conservation and is expected to strengthen biodiversity while ensuring long-term survival of the endangered species.
The translocation programme is being closely monitored by wildlife experts and conservation authorities, who hope it will serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.
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