Guwahati: In a significant conservation initiative, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has completed all formalities for the translocation of around 50 wild Asiatic water buffaloes to Kanha Tiger Reserve in a phased manner. According to Arun Vignesh, the operation will begin with a smaller batch to assess feasibility and logistics. While the initial plan proposed relocating around 15 animals in the first phase, authorities may start with just five to six buffaloes before scaling up the effort.
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The capture process is scheduled for March 18 and 19 and will be carried out through tranquilisation. Bibhuti Ranjan Gogoi said mock drills are currently underway to ensure the operation is conducted smoothly and safely. Officials stated that the initiative is part of a broader conservation strategy to reintroduce the species in Kanha, where wild buffalo populations had declined. At the same time, experts believe that dispersing a portion of Kaziranga’s population will help strengthen long-term conservation by expanding the species’ geographical range.
A team from the Wild Buffalo Translocation Implementation Committee is overseeing the process. Kaziranga currently hosts over 1,000 Asiatic water buffaloes, making it one of the most important habitats for the species. Authorities also pointed out that similar translocation efforts have been undertaken earlier, including moving buffaloes from Manas Tiger Reserve to forest areas in Chhattisgarh under a species recovery programme.
