Wild water buffalo of the Northeast can revive grassland habitats of Kanha

The wild water buffalo, the state animal of Chhattisgarh, is on the brink of extinction in central India, with only a few dozen buffalo left in the wild. A new study suggests that reintroducing the species from northeast India, where it is more abundant, to Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh could help restore the ecological balance of the grassland habitats and prevent the loss of this majestic herbivore.

The study, published in the journal Biological Conservation, was conducted by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, and the University of Montana.

The researchers assessed the habitat suitability and carrying capacity of Kanha Tiger Reserve, which has about 390 sq. km. of low-lying grasslands with minimal human disturbance. They found that the reserve could support a population of about 200 wild water buffaloes, which are genetically similar to the central Indian buffaloes.

The researchers cited historical evidence that the wild water buffalo was once widely distributed in central India, and was hunted by local people for food and sport. They said that reintroducing the species would also enhance the cultural and aesthetic value of the region, and generate opportunities for ecotourism and conservation education.

The study comes at a time when the wild water buffalo is facing a global extinction crisis, with 3,400 individuals remaining in the world of which 95% live in India and mostly in Assam. The species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, and is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, hybridization with domestic buffaloes, and diseases.

The central Indian population, which is isolated from the northeastern population, is particularly vulnerable, with only 30-35 buffalo surviving in Udanti-Sitanadi National Park in Chhattisgarh. The park has only six bulls and no cows, making breeding impossible.

Why are wild water buffalo in trouble?

The buffaloes across India have come under scrutiny due to a multitude of factors. From human intervention to reproductive challenges, these majestic creatures face an array of threats that jeopardize their survival.

One of the primary issues plaguing buffalo populations is human interference, which has led to the hybridization of buffaloes with domestic cattle. This genetic mixing has resulted in the loss of pure buffalo genes, altering their physical appearance and behavior.

Furthermore, habitat loss and degradation have exacerbated the situation, depriving buffaloes of essential resources such as food and shelter. Rampant hunting for profit and leisure, coupled with the transmission of diseases from humans and livestock, further compound the challenges faced by these animals.

Moreover, buffaloes exhibit slow reproductive rates, hindering their ability to replenish their numbers. Factors such as prolonged gestation periods, extended intervals between births, and delayed reproduction onset contribute to this predicament.

Adding to their woes, buffaloes struggle to thrive in regions marred by conflict and instability. The prevalence of fighting in certain areas not only impedes conservation efforts but also exposes buffaloes to increased risks of harm.

Wild Buffalo Reintroduction

The researchers proposed a strategy for reintroduction which involves them identifying and capturing wild water buffaloes from the source population in northeast India, where Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have them in large numbers.

Authorities would screen the captured buffaloes for diseases and transport them to Kanha in batches of 15-20 at a time. They would release them in predator-proof enclosures within the designated habitats, where they would monitor and acclimatize them for some time before allowing them to roam freely.

The researchers argued that reintroducing the wild water buffalo would not only save it from extinction but also benefit the grassland ecosystem, which land use changes and natural succession threaten.

The wild water buffalo is a megaherbivore, which means it can graze on a variety of plants and help maintain the diversity and productivity of the vegetation. The buffalo also plays a key role in the food chain, providing prey for predators like tigers and scavengers like vultures.

The researchers hope that their study will provide a scientific basis and a practical roadmap for the conservation of the wild water buffalo in central India, and inspire similar efforts for other endangered species in the country. They also urge the authorities and stakeholders to support and implement the reintroduction plan, and to ensure the long-term protection and management of the species and its habitat.

Researchers propose a reintroduction strategy for wildwater buffaloes, aiming to save the species from extinction and restore the grassland ecosystem. Authorities will capture buffaloes from northeast India and transport them to Kanha Tiger Reserve. They will screen them for diseases there and release them in predator-proof enclosures.

Buffalo reintroduction: Habitat and Genetics

According to the findings, the Halon Valley boasts higher floral diversity and biomass compared to the Banjar Valley, with grasslands in the former exhibiting characteristics conducive to better forage value and productivity.

The study, which categorized grasslands into three major clusters based on species composition and biomass availability, sheds light on the intricate interplay between vegetation, moisture regime, and management practices in shaping ecosystem dynamics.

Moreover, the research highlights the critical importance of habitat suitability and forage availability in determining the viability of reintroducing wild water buffalo populations. As the Halon Valley emerges as a priority area due to its superior forage abundance and lower bare ground coverage, they are preparing to focus on reintroducing the endangered megaherbivore efforts in this region.

By leveraging predictive habitat suitability models and on-site assessments of forage biomass availability, conservationists aim to establish a self-sustaining population of wild buffaloes in Kanha National Park.

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