In a landmark move for wildlife conservation, the states of Assam and Madhya Pradesh have forged an agreement for a significant inter-state animal exchange. The deal, centered on reviving lost species and enriching biodiversity, will see the transfer of several key animals, including the historic reintroduction of the wild buffalo to Madhya Pradesh after more than a century.
A Principle Agreement Forged by Chief Ministers
The agreement in principle was finalized on Thursday through a direct discussion between Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Announcing the decision on social media platform 'X', CM Mohan Yadav stated that 50 wild buffaloes will be sent from Assam to Madhya Pradesh over the coming three years. He emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step to enrich the wildlife and biodiversity of his state.
Details of the Animal Exchange
The exchange is a two-way street, with each state providing and receiving a suite of animals. From Assam, Madhya Pradesh will receive:
- Fifty wild buffaloes (over three years)
- One pair of rhinoceroses
- Three cobras
In return, Assam will get from Madhya Pradesh:
- One pair of tigers
- Six crocodiles
The focal point of the exchange is undoubtedly the wild buffalo. This species vanished from the forests of Madhya Pradesh due to a combination of unchecked hunting, shrinking grasslands, and habitat degradation during the colonial era.
Kanha Tiger Reserve: The New Home for Wild Buffaloes
The Wildlife Institute of India has identified the Kanha–Kisli landscape within the Kanha Tiger Reserve as the most suitable site for the buffaloes' reintroduction. The selection was based on the area's healthy grasslands, ample water availability, and the historical presence of the species. CM Yadav confirmed that the reintroduction will take place specifically in the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
This ambitious project aligns with the broader vision of ecological revival highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cheetah Project, launched in 2022 at Kuno National Park. Similar to that project, the wild buffalo reintroduction aims to achieve multiple goals:
- Boost biodiversity by restoring a lost native species to its historical habitat.
- Strengthen eco-tourism by creating new wildlife attractions.
- Create sustainable local livelihoods linked to conservation and tourism.
The initiative powerfully underscores the principle that ecological conservation and regional development can progress hand in hand, setting a precedent for future inter-state conservation collaborations in India.
