Finally, some good news this year for the tourists of West Bengal! Once again, Royal Bengal Tiger sightings in the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The forest department’s camera-trap captured yellow-black striped movements. Back in 2021, there had been glimpses of tigers. Wildlife enthusiasts are naturally delighted.
In 1998, a picture of a Bengal Tiger was taken for the Buxa Tiger Reserve project. However, it hadn’t been seen for a long time, creating doubts about its existence. In 2021, a picture of the Royal Bengal Tiger was captured by camera-trap. Just after two years, there are sightings again. Recently, a tiger paw print was spotted in the forests of the Panbari Range. A camera trap captured the tiger’s picture on Thursday evening around 8:30.
The camera-trapped tiger is a Royal Bengal Tiger, confirmed by its unique features.
Mr. Debal Ray, the Chief Forest Officer of the Wildlife Division, states, “More than 1,000 deer have been released in several rounds in the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Various works are underway to create a suitable environment for tiger habitation within the forest. Two forest settlements are being relocated. We’re seeing the results. Currently, efforts are on to track this tiger from the image captured. Initially, we believe this Royal Bengal Tiger to be male.”
Buxa captivates tourists in West Bengal for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. Famous for the Buxa Fort, an ancient fortress with panoramic views, it also houses the Buxa Tiger Reserve. This reserve entices visitors with its diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Offering trekking trails, wildlife safaris, and a blend of history and nature, Buxa magnetizes tourists seeking adventure, wildlife exploration, and a glimpse into the region’s intriguing past.
In 1982, the Buxa Tiger Reserve achieved the status of the country’s 15th Tiger Project. The protected forest area of 400 square kilometers is part of the 760 square kilometers of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. Active tiger presence was observed in this area in the ’80s. Many seasoned citizens of different forest settlements in the Buxa Tiger Reserve recall hearing tiger roars during that time. However, since the ’80s, there hasn’t been any substantial evidence of tiger presence in this area.
Even though footprints, excreta, and marks were found at various times, none were directly captured by the camera until after 2012. Until 2021, there had been no direct evidence captured by the cameras. Finally, on December 11, 2021, a clear image of a tiger was captured by the camera. Just two years later, on December 28, tourists and forest officials alike are thrilled as cameras capture tiger images in the forest area again.
This sighting is part of a series of significant tiger encounters across the Dooars region. In April 2023, another Royal Bengal Tiger was sighted in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary within the Dooars. Speculations suggested that tiger might have traversed from neighboring Bhutan and Assam, potentially utilizing forested corridors intersected by rivers.
A few days ago, officers of the Gorumara wildlife division in Dooars region shared two captivating photos of the majestic tiger captured in the Neora Valley National Park, nestled within the Kalimpong district. These remarkable images were taken at Rachela Danda, an expanse within the pristine forest, perched at an impressive altitude of 10,509 feet above sea level.
This significant sighting in the Neora Valley National Park adds to the growing evidence of the tiger’s presence in various parts of Dooars, from the hills to plain. Such occurrences underscore the success of conservation endeavors and signify a positive trend towards the revival of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. The collaboration between wildlife divisions and conservationists continues to be instrumental in safeguarding and revitalizing the biodiversity of the Dooars region, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for the iconic Royal Bengal Tigers and other endangered species.
