Gaur population growing in Bandhavgarh; wild buffalo reintroduction in Kanha to strengthen ecosystem: what role large herbivores play in forest ecosystem
Significant efforts are underway in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh and Kanha Tiger Reserves for the conservation and reintroduction of large herbivorous wildlife.
In Bandhavgarh, special emphasis is being placed on increasing the population of the Gaur (Indian Bison), while the process of reintroducing the Wild Buffalo is ongoing in Kanha Tiger Reserve. Although the Gaur and the Wild Buffalo may appear somewhat similar, they belong to distinct species and differ in terms of their habitats and dietary habits.
Gaur Reintroduction in Bandhavgarh
According to Anupam Sahay, Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the Gaur—also known as the Indian Bison—is Asia's largest wild bovine. The Gaur had gone extinct in Bandhavgarh by 1998. Subsequently, in 2011–12, 50 Gaurs were brought from Kanha and reintroduced to Bandhavgarh; their population eventually rose to approximately 170. A plan was also formulated to bring Gaurs from Satpura to maintain genetic diversity.
In February 2025, 23 Gaurs (comprising 18 females and 5 males) were brought to Bandhavgarh. This was followed by a second phase in January 2026, during which another 27 Gaurs (22 females and 5 males) were introduced, thereby achieving the target of bringing in 50 new Gaurs. To monitor these animals, VHF collars, horn sleeves, and ear tags have been fitted. Currently, the Gaur population in the Bandhavgarh landscape is estimated to be between 220 and 240.
Efforts Towards Wild Buffalo Reintroduction in Kanha
Work is underway to reintroduce the Wild Buffalo in Kanha Tiger Reserve. According to P.K. Verma, Deputy Director of Kanha Tiger Reserve, there is a plan to bring in 50 Wild Buffaloes over a period of three years. The first batch of wild buffaloes was brought in on April 28, 2026. So far, a total of eight wild buffaloes—arriving in two batches of four each—have reached Kanha.
Initially, the wild buffaloes will be kept in an enclosure. Once their numbers increase, they will be gradually released into natural habitats as required. Some will be kept in open areas while others remain in designated zones to ensure their population grows in a systematic manner.
Difference between Gaur and Wild Buffalo
The Gaur belongs to the cattle lineage, whereas the wild buffalo belongs to the buffalo lineage. The Gaur is distinguished by its massive body, a prominent hump on the shoulders, yellowish-white lower legs, and curved horns. In contrast, the wild buffalo is relatively smaller and lacks the distinct shoulder hump found on the Gaur. Wild buffaloes are typically found in wet grasslands, marshy areas, and near water bodies.
While the Gaur consumes grass as well as other forest vegetation, the wild buffalo is capable of eating tough, tall grasses. Wild buffaloes play a crucial role in managing the tall grasses that grow in wet and marshy areas.
Natural Engineers of the Forest Ecosystem
Large herbivorous wildlife species like the Gaur and the wild buffalo play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. By grazing on grass and vegetation, they keep the growth of excessively tall grass in check, allowing new, tender shoots and grass to emerge. This provides a food source for other herbivores, such as Chital (spotted deer) and Sambar.
Thus, large herbivores contribute to balancing the vegetation structure within the forest and creating favorable conditions for other wildlife. This is why animals like the Gaur and the wild buffalo are often referred to as the "natural engineers" of the forest. Their conservation and reintroduction are expected to further strengthen biodiversity and the ecosystem within Madhya Pradesh's forest areas.