Asiatic Wild Buffalo

The Chhattisgarh Forest Department is planning to translocate wild buffaloes from Assam and keep them in enclosures at Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve and Indravati Tiger Reserve (ITR). The initiative aims to strengthen the conservation of the Asiatic Wild Buffalo in Chhattisgarh.

About Asiatic Wild Buffalo

The Asiatic Wild Buffalo is considered the largest wild bovine in the world. It is also known as the Wild Water Buffalo, Asian Buffalo or Wild Asian Buffalo.

Habitat

The species primarily inhabits swamps, flooded grasslands, wetlands, alluvial plains and densely vegetated river valleys. It is closely associated with water-rich habitats.

Distribution

The Asiatic Wild Buffalo is found in Southern Nepal, eastern and central India, southern Bhutan and western Thailand. India supports more than 90% of the global population of the species.

India has an estimated 3,500–3,700 wild buffaloes, with the majority found in Assam. Smaller populations occur in Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh and the Kolamarka forests of Maharashtra.

Food and Behaviour

The species is herbivorous, with a diet consisting of grasses, aquatic plants, herbs, leaves, crops and tree bark. Wild buffaloes can be both diurnal and nocturnal, remaining active during both day and night.

Reproduction

Male wild buffaloes reach reproductive maturity at around 1.5 years, while females generally attain reproductive maturity at about 3 years of age.

Major Threats

The major threats to the species include habitat loss, hunting, diseases and parasites, as well as interbreeding with domestic buffaloes. Interbreeding is particularly significant because it can threaten the genetic purity of wild populations.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I