The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has completed all necessary formalities to translocate around 50 wild Asiatic water buffaloes to Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh in a phased manner.
Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Arun Vignesh, said that in the initial phase, around 15 buffaloes were planned to be relocated together. However, considering logistical challenges, the authorities may first shift only 5 to 6 animals to assess feasibility before moving larger groups.
The capture of wild buffaloes using tranquillization is scheduled to begin on March 18 and 19. Kohora Central Range Officer Dr. Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi stated that a mock drill for the operation has already been conducted and will continue until preparations are complete.
Vignesh explained that Kanha Tiger Reserve previously had a population of wild buffaloes, and the Madhya Pradesh authorities are keen to reintroduce the species as part of a conservation initiative. He added that translocating buffaloes to other habitats is also important for the long-term conservation of the species.
A team from the Wild Buffalo Translocation Implementation Committee conducted the mock drill. Currently, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is home to more than 1,000 Asiatic water buffaloes.
The officer also noted that similar translocation efforts were carried out earlier, when buffaloes from Manas Tiger Reserve were moved to Chhattisgarh.
