The Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Assam have reached a principled agreement to launch an inter-state wildlife exchange programme aimed at reviving locally extinct species and strengthening biodiversity management.

What is the Wildlife Exchange Programme?

The programme involves planned translocation of select wildlife species between the two states over the next three years, based on ecological suitability and scientific assessment.

From Assam to Madhya Pradesh

• 50 wild water buffaloes (to be reintroduced in Kanha Tiger Reserve)
• One pair of one-horned rhinoceroses
• Three king cobras
  • Rhinos and cobras will initially be housed at Van Vihar National Park for acclimatisation.

From Madhya Pradesh to Assam

• One pair of tigers
• Six mugger crocodiles

Why does this matter for conservation?

• The wild water buffalo is an endangered species, with a global population of fewer than 4,000, most of which survive in Assam’s protected areas such as Kaziranga and Manas.
• The species had become locally extinct in Madhya Pradesh over a century ago.
• A scientific study by the Wildlife Institute of India identified Kanha Tiger Reserve as suitable due to:
  • Extensive grasslands
  • Reliable water sources
  • Low human disturbance

Broader Significance

• Encourages inter-state cooperation in wildlife governance.
• Supports species reintroduction, a key tool under modern conservation biology.
• Builds on Madhya Pradesh’s earlier success with cheetah reintroduction at Kuno National Park.
• Helps diversify and strengthen genetic pools of wildlife populations.

Policy & Legal Context

• Aligns with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which allows scientific management and translocation for conservation.
• Reflects India’s commitment to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation under global frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Exam Hook – 

Q. With reference to the Assam–Madhya Pradesh wildlife exchange programme, consider the following statements:

1. Wild water buffaloes are being reintroduced in Kanha Tiger Reserve from Assam.
2. Assam will receive tigers and crocodiles from Madhya Pradesh under the programme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

One-line wrap:
A science-based inter-state wildlife exchange marks a new chapter in India’s cooperative conservation efforts.

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