In a meticulously coordinated wildlife operation spanning two states, a three-year-old tigress has been successfully translocated from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve to West Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve. The big cat was airlifted and released into a controlled enclosure after a week-long tracking and capture effort by forest officials.

Braving challenging weather conditions, a team of nearly 70 forest personnel and wildlife experts had been tracking the tigress in Bihar’s Valmiki forests for over a week. The animal, pre-identified by the Forest Department for relocation, was finally tranquilised on Tuesday evening.

Officials said an adult buffalo had been placed as bait on Monday to draw the tigress. After making the kill, she dragged the carcass deep into the forest, allowing tracking teams to follow her trail. The tigress was eventually located and darted with a single tranquiliser shot while feeding on her prey.

Health checks and radio collar tagging

Following sedation, veterinarians conducted preliminary health assessments before fitting the tigress with a radio collar for future monitoring. Officials confirmed that the animal was in good health and suitable for translocation.

The tigress was transported in a specially designed cage under full medical supervision from Gorakhpur Airport. An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter was deployed for the operation, airlifting her to the Hasimara Air Force Station in Alipurduar district.

She reached Hasimara in the early hours of Wednesday. A team of wildlife veterinarians and experts conducted a detailed examination lasting over an hour after landing.

Road transfer to Buxa under tight security

Post-medical clearance, the tigress was shifted by road to the Buxa Tiger Reserve via Nimati. Authorities heightened security across the reserve, deploying additional personnel to ensure a seamless and disturbance-free transfer.

At approximately 6:45 AM, the tigress entered Buxa through the Rajabhatkhawa gate. She has been placed in a specially designated enclosure at the ‘25 Mile’ area, where she will remain under observation.

Release scheduled on Gandhi Jayanti

Forest officials confirmed that the tigress will be released into a 2.2-hectare natural enclosure on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The event is expected to take place in the presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav.

The relocation is part of ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen the tiger population in Buxa, which has struggled with dwindling numbers over the years. Experts believe the introduction of a healthy young tigress could play a crucial role in long-term conservation and breeding initiatives in the region.

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