Recently, in an unprecedented move to save the dwindling population of Chhattisgarh’s State animal, the government has made a decision to translocate five female wild buffaloes from Manas National Park situated in Assam to the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. This long-distance relocation is an effort to tackle the survival issues the species is currently facing due to inbreeding, rampant poaching for their horns, and an increasing male population.
Translocation – A Necessary Action
The relocation will be the longest of its kind in the history of the Indian wildlife conservation efforts. The necessity of this move has been triggered by the urgent need to revitalise the declining population of the State’s animal. By introducing more females into the existing herds, the government aims to offset the adverse effects of inbreeding and imbalanced sex-ratios in the buffalo population.
The Central India Wild Buffalo Recovery Project
In alignment with the government’s initiative, the Central India Wild Buffalo Recovery Project has taken up the mission to stabilise the wild buffalo population in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. By implementing measures to ensure safety and adequate resources for these animals, the project intends to give a much-needed boost to their numbers.
Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) – A Brief Overview
The Wild Buffalo, scientifically known as Bubalus arnee, has a preference for habitats with plenty of water sources such as alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, and river valleys. Areas rich in water holes and resources make up their preferred dwelling very well.
| Estimated Population in Northeast | Percentage of World population | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 3000-4000 | 92% | Endangered (as per IUCN Red List) |
Laws Protecting the Wild Buffalo
The wild buffalo, being a significant part of the Indian ecology, enjoys protection under the law. It finds mention under Schedule 1 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring stringent measures against harm or poaching. Besides this, it is also classified as endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting the urgency of its conservation.
This strategic effort by the government in relocating buffaloes to strengthen the genetic pool of the species aims to bolster their population strength and ensure the survival of an animal that holds not just ecological but also symbolic significance for the state of Chhattisgarh.
