Operation Bison in the Presence of APCCF: Over 250 Officials Involved, Bison Relocated from Satpura to Bandhavgarh
Sohagpur – More than a dozen bison have been relocated from Churna, near Sohagpur in Satpura Tiger Reserve, to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. A total of 50 bison are scheduled to be transferred, with 25 already relocated in the first phase.
Madhya Pradesh’s Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), L. Krishnamurthy, along with a team of over 250 forest officials, veterinarians, and experts, has been stationed in Churna for the past two days. Senior and experienced officers from all major tiger reserves in the state are actively participating in the operation.
Notably, Krishnamurthy previously served as the Field Director of Satpura Tiger Reserve, overseeing the successful relocation of barasingha and chital from Kanha, as well as elephants from Karnataka.
Current Field Director Rakhi Nanda stated that satellite tracking is being used to monitor the vehicles transporting the bison. Forest officials in the districts through which these vehicles pass are stationed every 50-55 km to assist with monitoring and rescue operations.
According to sources, trained personnel, under expert supervision, have carefully identified and sedated the bison in a controlled manner. The sedated animals were then carefully placed on large stretchers, blindfolded with green cloth, and carried approximately 200 meters to the transport vehicles. The bison were then loaded with utmost care and underwent a health check by veterinarians before departure.
Nanda emphasized that the relocation is being conducted following strict guidelines, with veterinary teams continuously monitoring the bison’s condition throughout the journey.