Madhya Pradesh Urges Centre to Expedite Import of African Wildlife from Botswana
The Madhya Pradesh forest department has formally requested the Union government to accelerate procedural formalities for importing five zebras and five giraffes from Botswana. This initiative follows a prospective donor in Botswana expressing willingness to supply these African animals to enhance the state's wildlife diversity.
Official Correspondence Reveals Urgent Request
Official correspondence accessed by media outlets shows the state government has pressed the Centre to expedite the import process as part of its expanding African wildlife introduction programme. The proposal specifically involves importing five zebras (2 males and 3 females) and five giraffes (2 males and 3 females), all approximately three years old.
According to a communication sent by Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Ashok Barnwal, the selection of animals in this age bracket is strategic. Officials indicate that three-year-old animals are more likely to adapt successfully to new environments while remaining capable of breeding, ensuring long-term sustainability of the programme.
Proposed Home at Van Vihar National Park
The imported animals are likely to be housed at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, once all regulatory approvals are secured and appropriate habitat arrangements are completed. The park would need to create suitable enclosures and environmental conditions to accommodate these African species.
Building on Cheetah Reintroduction Success
This proposal represents part of a broader vision by the Madhya Pradesh government to create African savanna-style wildlife experiences in select locations. The initiative builds on the international attention generated by the successful cheetah reintroduction programme at Kuno National Park, which has demonstrated the state's capability in managing exotic wildlife species.
Sources within the forest department reveal the state is keen to move quickly once the Centre clears all procedural requirements, which include:
- Wildlife import permits
- Quarantine protocols
- Clearances under international wildlife trade regulations
- Health certifications for the animals
Conservation Priorities Questioned
Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey has raised concerns about the state's priorities, questioning the focus on importing exotic species while several native habitats face significant conservation challenges. "Instead of focusing on protecting India's native habitats, the MP government is prioritising the procurement of zebras and giraffes from Botswana," Dubey stated. "Since when did 'wildlife cooperation' become a shopping list for international exotic species?"
Despite these concerns, forest department officials maintain that the African wildlife introduction programme will enhance biodiversity, boost tourism, and provide valuable educational opportunities for visitors to experience diverse ecosystems within India's national parks.
