Bagaha/Patna: Preparations are underway to relocate one tigress from Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran to Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, with expert teams from Buxa and the Sundarbans already at VTR for the operation.
The tigress will not be selected arbitrarily from the reserve’s existing population. A joint team comprising officials from VTR, Buxa and Sundarbans tiger reserves, along with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, will assess the animals before identifying one suitable for relocation.
Selection Based On Health, Age And Behaviour
The assessment will consider factors including age, health, behaviour, pugmarks and activity patterns. Once a suitable tigress is identified, tracking and, if required, tranquilisation will be used as part of the capture operation.
A team of experts and veterinarians will be present during the capture. The tigress will subsequently undergo a medical examination to determine whether she is fit for the long-distance journey to Buxa.
Gaurav Ojha, Conservator-cum-Director of VTR, said the reserve had received instructions from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and that Buxa had currently requested one tigress.
“Currently, there is a possibility of sending one tigress to Buxa Tiger Reserve, but the final decision will depend on the NTCA’s order. Teams from Sundarbans and Buxa will study the tigresses in collaboration with VTR, the local forest department and WII experts.”
Ojha said further action would be taken after the assessment, selection and completion of the necessary formalities.
Transport Planned For October 2
According to the information available, preparations are underway to transport the selected tigress to Buxa on October 2, 2026.
The relocation will be carried out according to established protocols, with the safety and health of the animal given priority. Experts and officials from VTR, Buxa, the Sundarbans, WII and NTCA are expected to be involved at different stages of the operation.
After reaching Buxa, the tigress will not be released directly into the wild. She will initially be kept in a large enclosure to allow her to acclimatise to the new environment.
VTR Tiger Population Put At Over 75
The tiger population in VTR, including cubs, is estimated at more than 75. The available figures put the population at around 60 adult tigers and more than 15 cubs.
VTR covers approximately 980 sq km. With the tiger population increasing and the need for additional territory, preparations are also underway to develop a second tiger reserve in the Kaimur forests of Bihar.
The proposed reserve could provide another area for tiger relocation if required in the future.
