4 Wild Buffaloes Reintroduced from Kaziranga National Park to MP's Kanha Tiger Reserve; A Historic Milestone, Says CM Mohan Yadav
MP Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the Wild Buffalo Reintroduction Project at Kanha Tiger Reserve's Supkhar in Balaghat district. The wild buffalo species, which had disappeared from the state nearly 50 years ago, has now been successfully reintroduced. Four wild buffalo have been translocated from Kaziranga National Park to Kanha Tiger Reserve as part of ongoing efforts to enrich biodiversity.
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav described the initiative as the next chapter in the state's biodiversity conservation. The wild buffaloes brought from Kaziranga National Park were soft-released into the Supkhar area of Kanha Tiger Reserve. He congratulated the people of the state on the auspicious arrival of these ‘new guests’.
Forests to be Enriched, Tourism and Employment to Grow
CM said that the day marks a historic occasion for Madhya Pradesh, as wild buffaloes are being reintroduced after nearly half a century. This initiative presents a remarkable opportunity for wildlife and ecological conservation in the state. The reintroduction will support grassland conservation and strengthen the ecosystem.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is bringing back extinct wildlife species to Madhya Pradesh. This will enrich forests, boost wildlife populations, and create local employment opportunities through tourism. The translocation of wild buffaloes has also established a new bond between Madhya Pradesh and Assam. CM noted that during his visit to Assam, he held meaningful discussions with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the reintroduction of wild buffaloes and rhinos.
Madhya Pradesh Setting a National Example in Wildlife Conservation
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that the released group includes three females and one male, all young and healthy. He stated that Madhya Pradesh is recognised as a ‘Tiger State’ and ‘Cheetah State’ today, with significant populations of crocodiles, gharials and wolves. The state has also emerged as a ‘Vulture State’. He emphasised that the reintroduction of species that had disappeared centuries ago is helping realise the vision of wildlife conservation in the state’s rich forests.
Madhya Pradesh is setting an example for the nation in wildlife conservation, and these efforts will benefit future generations. Alongside infrastructure development, the state government is committed to strengthening ecological systems.
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav recalled that cheetahs were reintroduced in 2022 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and now cheetahs are thriving not only in Kuno but also in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Preparations are underway to introduce cheetahs in Nauradehi Sanctuary near Sagar as well. These initiatives will become a lasting heritage for the state.
On this occasion, Member of Parliament Bharti Pardhi, Bhagat Singh Netam, along with forest department officials and local Administration representatives, were present.
Wild Buffalo from Assam to Madhya Pradesh: Homecoming of Extinct Species
In the first phase of this significant inter-state collaboration, 7 sub-adult buffaloes were identified between 19 March and 10 April 2026 from the central and eastern ranges of Kaziranga.
On 25 April 2026, four wild buffaloes completed their 2,000 km journey from Kaziranga to Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The translocation was carried out under the supervision of senior officials and experienced veterinarians from both Kaziranga and Kanha.
They have been soft-released into an enclosure at Supkhar in Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The reintroduction of this locally extinct species will enhance biodiversity and play a crucial role in managing grassland ecosystems in Kanha.
Wild buffalo populations in Madhya Pradesh had become extinct 100 years ago. Currently, their natural population is mainly confined to Assam, with very small numbers in Chhattisgarh.
A study by the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as the most suitable site for reintroduction due to its vast grasslands, sufficient water sources, and minimal human interference.