Madhya Pradesh–Assam Finalise Wildlife Exchange Pact

In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have finalised an inter-state agreement for the exchange of wild animals, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and restoring species that have become locally extinct in parts of the country.

Assam to Translocate Wild Buffaloes, Rhinos and King Cobras
Under the pact, Assam will translocate 50 wild water buffaloes to Madhya Pradesh over the next three years in a phased manner. Additionally, a pair of one-horned rhinoceroses and three king cobras will also be sent.

• The rhinos and king cobras will initially be housed at Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal, for acclimatisation and public viewing.
• The wild buffaloes will be reintroduced into their historic habitat at Kanha Tiger Reserve.

Madhya Pradesh to Send Tigers and Crocodiles to Assam
In return, 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.

Reintroduction of Endangered Wild Water Buffalo
The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), listed as an endangered species, became locally extinct in Madhya Pradesh more than a century ago.

• India’s main population is now confined to Assam, particularly Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.
• Globally, the species numbers fewer than 4,000 individuals.

Kanha Identified as Ideal Habitat
A detailed study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as an ideal site for reintroduction due to:

• Extensive grasslands and perennial water sources
• Low human disturbance
• Suitable herbivore dynamics