Buxa tigress captured in Assam after moving to Raimona reserve
Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said officials are exploring all options to facilitate the safe return of the radio-collared tigress.
A tigress from the Buxa Reserve Forest was tranquilised and captured in Kokrajhar, Assam, on Wednesday, according to The Economic Times.
The tigress, named BuxaRani, had moved from West Bengal into the Raimona National Park in Assam on October 23 after crossing the Sankosh river.
Officials said the animal appeared to be searching for suitable territory. The state forest department had been monitoring the radio-collared tigress since it entered the Assam reserve.
Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said the state was coordinating with the Assam government to bring the animal back. He stated he would go to Assam to ensure the tigress's safe return.
The tigress was originally brought from Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve and released into the Alipurduar district's Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2. The release was conducted by Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to increase the resident tiger population.
Oraon expressed thanks to the Assam officials for their support in tranquilising the tigress. The forest department is currently exploring all possible options to facilitate the animal's smooth return.