Dudhwa Wild Water Buffalo Reintroduction: Feasibility Report Soon
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) authorities are progressing with a plan to reintroduce wild water buffalo, with a feasibility study completed by WII scientists. The project is expected to start by winter 2026, pending final government approval.
Background
The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is an endangered species, and its historical range included parts of Uttar Pradesh. The species is now largely confined to Assam and neighboring regions. Reintroduction efforts aim to restore its population in Dudhwa.
Key facts
The State Wildlife Advisory Board, chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, has approved the project.
An expert team from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted a feasibility study in Dudhwa.
The study assessed waterlands, grasslands, woodland, flora, and fauna suitability for water buffaloes.
The feasibility report with recommendations will be sent to the government within a few days.
Initial phase: a safe enclosure at Kakraha Tal or Bhadi Tal with predator-proof fencing.
The project likely starts with four water buffaloes (three females, one male) from Assam.
Required infrastructure is expected to be completed by winter 2026.
Field director Dr H Rajamohan is leading the project.
Prelims pointers
- Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) – located in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.
- Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) – listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List.
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – autonomous institution under MoEFCC.
- State Wildlife Advisory Board – chaired by Uttar Pradesh CM.
- Kakraha Tal and Bhadi Tal – potential sites for enclosure in Dudhwa.
Mains angles
- GS3: Conservation of endangered species – reintroduction as a conservation tool.
- GS3: Human-wildlife conflict mitigation – predator-proof fencing measures.
- GS2: Role of state wildlife boards and central institutions in conservation.