Tigress to be Reintroduced in Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2

In a landmark move aimed at reviving tiger populations in North Bengal, the West Bengal government will introduce a tigress in the Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2, 2025. State Environment and Forest Minister Manoj Oraon confirmed the development during an event in Kolkata on Friday. Buxa, which spans 760.87 sq km in the Dooars region near Bhutan, was designated as India’s 15th tiger reserve in 1983 but has seen a sharp decline in tiger numbers in recent years.

Why Buxa Was Chosen

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 68 mammal species, 41 reptile species, and over 246 bird species, among others. Despite its rich wildlife, tiger sightings have dwindled, prompting conservation efforts to restore the big cats to their historical habitat. The reintroduction project aligns with the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) protocol, which seeks to re-establish tiger populations in areas where they have become extinct.

Learning from Past Successes

Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav highlighted the success of tiger reintroduction efforts in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve, where the population grew from zero in 2008 to 56. Similar strategies are now being explored for Bengal, often referred to as the “land of the Royal Bengal tiger.” The Sundarbans, Bengal’s other tiger habitat, has maintained a stable population of approximately 100 tigers, but experts believe tigers from this mangrove ecosystem may not adapt well to Buxa’s terrain. Instead, the tigress is likely to be sourced from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, which shares a landscape more akin to Buxa.

Challenges Ahead

While tiger reintroduction has seen success in several reserves, challenges remain. The failed attempt to reintroduce tigers in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve serves as a cautionary tale. Experts will need to carefully monitor the tigress’s adaptation to her new environment and ensure adequate prey availability and protection from poaching.

A Step Toward Conservation

The October 2 reintroduction marks a significant step in restoring Bengal’s tiger population and conserving its rich biodiversity. With collaborative efforts from the West Bengal government and NTCA, authorities hope to replicate the successes seen in other reserves and bring tigers back to their historical home in Buxa.

Source: The Hindu