Introduction

Camera traps in the Buxa National Park, West Bengal captured images of a tiger, reigniting hopes among forest officials and experts.
The last sighting before December 2021 was 23 years ago, indicating the tiger’s absence from the reserve for decades.

Buxa Tiger Reserve: Geography and Ecology

	Details
Location	Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. Near the Bhutan border.
Establishment	Created in 1983 as a tiger reserve; declared a national park in January 1992.
Area	Total area of approx. 760 sq km (core area: 390 sq km, buffer zone: 370 sq km).
Ecological Significance	Part of the Eastern Himalayan subregion, known for its unique biodiversity.
Geographical Connectivity	Shares a northern boundary with Bhutan. Connected with Bhutanese forests, Kochugaon forests, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Jaldapara National Park.

Habitat Improvement: Efforts to reduce human interference, expand grasslands, and increase the prey base have created a more suitable habitat for tigers.
Conservation Measures: The introduction of chital (spotted deer) as prey and the creation of watering holes have been part of these efforts.

Tiger Augmentation Project: Launched in 2018, this project involves the state forest department, Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Village Relocation: Plans to relocate villages from the core area aim to reduce human presence and further improve the habitat.
Expert Insights: Scientists note the importance of habitat connectivity between Bhutan and Buxa and the reduction of human disturbances as key factors in attracting tigers back to Buxa.