Dudhwa wild water buffalo reintroduction: Feasibility report to be sent to govt soon, animals expected by winter

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) authorities plan to reintroduce wild water buffalo, with an expert panel having submitted a feasibility report.

The project, approved by the State Wildlife Advisory Board chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to start by winter 2026.

Infrastructure including a predator-proof enclosure at Kakraha Tal or Bhadi Tal will be completed by winter, according to DTR field director Dr H Rajamohan.

The initial phase will introduce four water buffaloes (three females, one male) from Assam.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientists Dr Somrat Mandal and Dr Vibhas Panda conducted the feasibility study.