West Bengal's first relocated tigress captured in Assam to be returned to Buxa
The three-year-old tigress, Dooars Rani, was tranquilised in Kokrajhar district after venturing into Assam.
The three-year-old tigress Dooars Rani, West Bengal’s first relocated tiger, was tranquilised and caged in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Tuesday evening. Forest department officials from West Bengal and Assam conducted a joint operation to capture the animal in the Gilaguri area of Dotma at approximately 5.30pm, according to The Indian Express and The Hindu.
The tigress, also identified as T-138, had travelled over 100 km from the Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar, West Bengal, to enter Assam's Raimona National Park. She was released in Buxa on October 2 after being moved from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve as part of a state relocation programme.
West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon said the operation involved three elephants from Bengal, earthmovers, and teams with tranquiliser guns. He stated that the tigress would be brought back to the Buxa Tiger Reserve and noted that the animal appeared safe and healthy.
The minister added that officials initially allowed the tigress to explore before deciding to capture her as she approached human settlements. He said the team would continue to monitor her movement.
The Buxa relocation initiative aims to establish a tiger unit to recover the resident population in the region. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that three additional tigers are expected to be released in Buxa within the next two months to support conservation and tourism.