17 villages unite to save Chhattisgarh’s endangered Wild Buffalo

Raipur | Correspondent: An unprecedented community initiative has been launched in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh to conserve the wild buffalo, the state animal of Chhattisgarh and one of the most endangered species in the country. Residents of 17 villages in the core area have come together and pledged to save this species from extinction.

Currently, the only purebred male wild buffalo in Central India, 'Chhotu', resides in this reserve and is 26 years old. To carry forward this legacy, representatives of 17 Gram Sabhas (village councils) and villagers took an oath at a special meeting held on December 14 to prevent illegal logging, control forest fires, and create an encroachment-free forest area.

The Forest Department is now preparing for the next phase of conservation with this public support. Following the successful breeding of wild buffaloes brought from Assam to Barnawapara, three female wild buffaloes will now be transferred from there to Udanti-Sitanadi to address the problem of inbreeding.

According to wildlife experts, the wild buffalo is a "keystone" species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of grasslands and aquatic ecosystems.

The reserve administration has cleared 750 hectares of land of encroachment and has taken steps such as developing an online portal for monitoring the buffaloes and ensuring quick payment of crop damage compensation, similar to the 'Elephant Alert App'.

With the active participation of local communities and the 'Wild Buffalo Friends Group', there is now renewed hope for the survival of this pride of Chhattisgarh. (File Photo)