Tigress Released in Buxa Tiger Reserve to Revive Tiger Population
A major step has been taken towards restoring the tiger population in West Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve, with a Royal Bengal tigress released into the reserve in Alipurduar district on October 2, 2026.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, alongside Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, participated in the release of the tigress, which was translocated from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The release marks the beginning of a phased tiger reintroduction programme aimed at establishing a viable and self-sustaining tiger population in Buxa.
The tigress, identified as T138, is three years old and was brought to Buxa as part of a scientifically guided conservation programme. The initiative seeks to complement natural recovery through habitat management, prey-base augmentation, stronger wildlife corridors and community participation.
Speaking about the development, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the occasion as a significant moment for wildlife conservation in West Bengal. He said the reintroduction programme would be followed by further efforts to strengthen Buxa’s ecosystem and restore a resident tiger population.
According to reports, three more tigers are planned to be introduced into Buxa over the next two months. The wider programme also focuses on improving prey availability, strengthening habitats and wildlife corridors, and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
The initiative has been undertaken in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), West Bengal Forest Department and conservation specialists. Buxa is historically an important tiger landscape connected to the broader forests of Bhutan and Assam.
The return of tigers is also expected to support nature-based tourism in the Dooars region, while strengthening the ecological significance of Buxa Tiger Reserve.
The release coincides with the beginning of Wildlife Week 2026, giving added significance to the conservation initiative.
A historic and momentous day for wildlife conservation in West Bengal.
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 2, 2026
Today, alongside Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Ji, I had the immense privilege of releasing a majestic Royal Bengal Tigress into the verdant wilderness of the… pic.twitter.com/PamRFgh1LQ
Related News
OCT 2, 2026
Guterres Highlights Gandhi’s Message of Peace and Non-Violence
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of peace, dialogue and non-violence, urging the world to heal divisions through diplomacy and end suffering.
OCT 2, 2026
India Women’s Hockey Team Clinch Asian Games Gold After 44 Years
India’s women’s hockey team ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold with a 1-0 victory over China, securing their second title and direct qualification for LA 2028.
OCT 2, 2026
India Wins Historic Sepaktakraw Quadrant Bronze at Asian Games
India’s Men’s Quadrant team has created history by winning the country’s first-ever Asian Games medal in the Sepaktakraw Quadrant discipline, securing bronze after a semifinal against Japan.
OCT 2, 2026
Sujeet Kalkal Wins Asian Games Wrestling Gold in Men’s 65kg
Sujeet Kalkal staged a stunning comeback to defeat Abdulmazhid Kudiev 10-9 and win gold in the men’s freestyle 65kg wrestling event at the Asian Games 2026.