Government of India has cleared the proposal for shifting of five female wild water buffaloes from Assam’s Manas National Sanctuary.

The bovines will travel around 1500 kilometres to reach Chhattisgarh.

In a statement Principal Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife) Atul Shukla said this will create conducive atmosphere for breeding and increase the number of state’s official animal in future. At present, the state has 10 wild water buffaloes and with five more the total will be around 15.

Out of the 10 wild water buffaloes, 8 are male and two are female. This will also help to reduce the gender parity with 8 males and 7 females in the state, he added.

PCCF Rakesh Chaturvedi when contacted said, the permission was granted a year ago as transportation is a critical factor due to sensitivity of these bovines, special care has to be taken.

It was decided to shift them after the monsoon and the present climatic condition is suitable for shifting. It is for the first time such transporting of wild water buffaloes is being undertaken in the country.

He said the modes of transport, may be through road or train, will be opted based on situation and conditions. They will be brought to a special enclosure made at Barnawapara sanctuary. After acclimation, they will be shifted to Udanti-Sitanadi Sanctuary.

The wildlife experts feel that with five female bovines from Assam, the impending extinction of Chhattisgarh states’ official animal can be saved. Water buffaloes are on the verge of extinction in the central Indian state.

Chhattisgarh government is expected to return the favour by sending around 40 spotted deer to Assam to help its tiger conservation efforts.