A three-year-old tigress was introduced to North Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2, 2026, as part of efforts to revive the local tiger population. The release was conducted by Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, aiming to enhance biodiversity and promote tourism in the region. This initiative marks a significant step towards restoring the ecological balance in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The tigress, designated BTR-TF-1 (T-138), was airlifted to the reserve aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This operation was timed to coincide with India’s Wildlife Week, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation. The Buxa Tiger Reserve, established in 1983, had been devoid of a tiger population for over a decade due to various ecological challenges.

Tigress’s Movement and Behaviour

Following her release, the tigress reportedly crossed over into Assam, prompting concerns about her adaptation to the new environment. Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon addressed these concerns, stating that the tigress is exploring her natural habitat, which is a typical behaviour for wild cats. He emphasised that it is essential for the animal to acclimatise to a larger territory before settling down. The distance to Assam from the release point is relatively short, which facilitates her exploration.

Oraon reassured the public that the monitoring of the tigress is ongoing, with her location being tracked every hour. He mentioned that the tigress was initially given a one-kilometre radius to explore, and her movement into Assam is not seen as an escape but rather as a natural behaviour within a forest corridor. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has also been informed about her movements.

Despite the tigress’s current location, the Bengal government has no immediate plans to tranquillise and bring her back. The authorities are keen to allow her to explore her surroundings fully. The minister noted that the tigress appears to be in good health, having been photographed and reportedly having killed a wild boar, which indicates her ability to hunt and adapt.

Future Plans for Tiger Population in Buxa

The West Bengal government is considering introducing additional tigers to the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the future. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable tiger population in North Bengal. The government is collaborating with counterparts in Assam to ensure the well-being of the tigress and to assess the feasibility of further translocations.

Forest Minister Oraon stated that the behaviour exhibited by the tigress is typical for wild cats, who often take several months to settle into a new territory. The monitoring team, including the field director and the divisional forest officer, is actively observing her movements and ensuring her safety. The government remains optimistic about the long-term prospects for the tiger population in the region.

As the situation develops, the authorities are committed to balancing wildlife conservation efforts with the ecological needs of the area. The introduction of the tigress is viewed as a crucial step towards revitalising the tiger population in Buxa, which has faced significant challenges over the past decade. The ongoing monitoring and potential future introductions are part of a broader strategy to restore the ecological integrity of the region.

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