📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vulpes-bengalensis
Science
West Bengal’s first relocated tigress seized in Assam, sent back to Buxa Reserve
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 04 Nov 2026, 02:01 AM
👁 15
A tigress that was West Bengal’s first relocated animal was captured in Assam and has been returned to Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Forest officials confirmed that the tigress, the first animal to be moved from West Bengal under a relocation programme, was found wandering in a forested area of Assam. The animal had strayed far from its intended habitat after being released as part of a conservation effort aimed at reducing human‑wildlife conflict.
The capture was carried out by a joint team of Assam Forest Department personnel and wildlife experts, who used tranquilizers to safely immobilise the tigress without causing injury. After the operation, the animal was transported by road to the nearest wildlife sanctuary for health checks.
Following veterinary clearance, the tigress was handed over to West Bengal authorities and escorted back to Buxa Tiger Reserve, where it will be monitored closely to ensure successful reintegration. Officials said the incident underscores the challenges of relocating large carnivores and the need for robust post‑release monitoring.
The capture was carried out by a joint team of Assam Forest Department personnel and wildlife experts, who used tranquilizers to safely immobilise the tigress without causing injury. After the operation, the animal was transported by road to the nearest wildlife sanctuary for health checks.
Following veterinary clearance, the tigress was handed over to West Bengal authorities and escorted back to Buxa Tiger Reserve, where it will be monitored closely to ensure successful reintegration. Officials said the incident underscores the challenges of relocating large carnivores and the need for robust post‑release monitoring.