Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Tigress Released in Buxa as Officials Plan More Arrivals
A three-year-old tigress called T138 was moved from a reserve in Bihar to Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.
Officials released her there on October 2, 2026.
They hope more tigers will live and breed in Buxa.
The chief minister said three more tigers would be brought, though reports give different timelines.
A five-year plan includes making sure tigers have enough prey and suitable places to live.
It also aims to improve safe routes for wildlife and reduce trouble between people and wild animals.
Cameras have already photographed a tiger in the area.
Experts think that tiger may have come from Bhutan or Assam.
A three-year-old tigress, identified as T138, was moved from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve and released into Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal on October 2, 2026.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released the tigress in Alipurduar district, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and forest officials present.
Adhikari said three more tigers would be brought to Buxa; reports variously describe the target as within two months or by the end of the year.
The five-year project, covering financial years 2023–24 to 2027–28, aims to build a viable tiger population through prey and habitat improvements, wildlife corridors and reduced human-wildlife conflict.
Camera traps have recorded a tiger in the reserve; experts cited in reports believe it may have wandered in from Bhutan or Assam’s Manas National Park.
- Who
- A three-year-old tigress, T138, was released by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and forest officials present.
- What
- A tigress from Valmiki Tiger Reserve was released in Buxa as the first step in a planned tiger reintroduction programme.
- When
- Friday, October 2, 2026; the release coincided with the start of World Wildlife Week 2026.
- Where
- Buxa Tiger Reserve, in Alipurduar district, West Bengal; the tigress came from Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar.
- Why
- The project aims to restore a viable, self-sustaining tiger population in Buxa by improving prey availability and habitat, strengthening wildlife corridors and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Officials’ Conservation Case
Political Criticism
Purpose of the reintroduction
Officials’ Conservation Case
Officials described the release as a major step toward restoring a viable tiger population, supported by habitat, prey and corridor improvements.
Political Criticism
The reports do not present a substantive opposing wildlife-policy view; Adhikari instead criticized the previous Trinamool Congress government, alleging it had not taken steps to protect wildlife.
Credit for the initiative
Officials’ Conservation Case
Adhikari and Yadav thanked Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and others for helping transfer the tigress from Valmiki to Buxa.
Political Criticism
Adhikari alleged that the previous state government lacked the inclination to reintroduce tigers and focused on disputes with the Centre.
- Tigress
- T138, three years old
- Source reserve
- Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar
- Release site
- Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar district, West Bengal
- Release date
- October 2, 2026
- Further tiger releases
- Three more announced; reports say within two months or by year-end
- Project period
- Financial years 2023–24 to 2027–28
- Planned conservation measures
- Improve prey availability and habitats, strengthen wildlife corridors, and reduce human-wildlife conflict
Sources
Tigress released in Bengal”s Buxa Tiger Reserve; plans afoot for three more by end of year
Tigress will soon get company, Suvendu announces three more tiger releases at Buxa
Buxa Tiger Reserve Gets Tigress T138 From Bihar's Valmiki Reserve, 3 More Tigers Planned In 2 Months
Buxa’s long wait to hear tiger’s roar to end tomorrow
