Madhya Pradesh
MP Launches 'Rewilding' Initiative
- 02 Sep 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Tiger State,’ has launched a groundbreaking initiative called 'Rewilding' under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
Key Points:
- About: The 'Rewilding' initiative focuses on the reintroduction of key species into their natural habitats and aims to become a model for wildlife conservation in India.
- It involves reintroducing both predator and prey species that are vital to the ecosystem but are missing from forests.
- In their absence, the food chain breaks down and the natural life cycle collapses, disrupting ecological balance.
- Objective:
- To restore the balance to wildlife ecology.
- To revive extinct and endangered species.
- To promote biodiversity.
- Implementation: The Forest Department has created a phased rewilding plan to reintroduce swamp deer and other species, focusing on restoring the entire forest ecosystem, including grasslands, riverscapes, and supporting habitats.
- The mission is being supported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Forest Research Institute, and international experts.
- Tribal and rural communities are also being engaged, creating opportunities for eco-tourism and livelihoods alongside wildlife protection.
- Significance: Rewilding plays a pivotal role in combating climate change, as it enhances carbon storage, reduces carbon footprints, and conserves vital resources like water and soil, thereby protecting natural ecosystems.
- Beyond ecological benefits, rewilding significantly boosts wildlife tourism, contributing to the local economy, while preserving natural cycles untouched by human intervention.
