Feasibility of reintroducing grassland megaherbivores, the greater one-horned rhinoceros, and swamp buffalo within their historic global range

Abstract Reintroduction of endangered species is an effective and increasingly important conservation strategy once threats have been addressed. The greater one-horned rhinoceros swamp buffalo declined through historic hunting habitat loss. We identify evaluate available across their range (India, Nepal, Bhutan) for reintroducing viable populations. used Species Distribution Models in Maxent to potential habitats evaluated model-identified sites field visits, interviews wildlife managers, literature, population-habitat viability analysis. prioritize based on size, quality, protection, management effectiveness, biotic pressures, conflict with communities. Our results suggest that populations than 50 100 were less susceptible extinction, could withstand some poaching, especially if supplemented or managed as a metapopulation. note reluctance by managers reintroduce due high costs associated subsequent protection. analysis subsequently prioritised Corbett Valmiki, rhino reintroduction transboundary complexes Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki Dudhwa-Pilibhit-Shuklaphanta-Bardia reintroductions. Establishing new safety-nets supplementing existing these megaherbivores would ensure continued survival harness beneficial effect ecosystems conspecifics like pygmy hog, hispid hare, deer, hog Bengal florican.