Recently, a significant event occurred which caught the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists. For the first time in almost quarter of a century, a Royal Bengal tiger was spotted in the Buxa reserve. In the past, these charismatic creatures were pervasive throughout the reserve, seen even in the southernmost regions and peripheral areas. However, presently, the tiger density in the reserve is quite low.
Exploring the Buxa Tiger Reserve
Located in the Alipurduar Sub-division of Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, the Buxa Tiger Reserve holds a distinguished title as the 15th tiger reserve of India, established back in 1983. Later in 1992, it was declared as a National Park. The reserve is geographically unique as its northern boundary skirts the international border of Bhutan while its Eastern boundary brushes against Assam State. Various rivers including Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima and Nonani enrich the reserve’s environment.
Connectivity: The Tiger Corridor
The Buxa reserve boasts of extensive corridor connectivity with neighboring forests. To the North lies the forests of Bhutan, whereas the East connects to Kochugaon forests and Manas Tiger Reserve. The West links to Jaldapara National Park. This connectivity plays an essential role in facilitating animal movement between different regions, fostering biodiversity.
A Brief Look at the Flora and Fauna
Buxa Tiger Reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity featuring a wide variety of plant and animal species. The vegetation of the reserve falls under the ‘Moist Tropical Forest’ category. Among the fauna, some key species are the Indian Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Hog badger and Jungle Cat.
Additional Protected Areas in West Bengal
West Bengal boasts several other protected areas, which include Gorumara National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park and Jaldapara National Park.
Status of Tiger Conservation
The conservation status of tigers globally is precarious. Under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, tigers are listed as ‘Endangered’ and under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), they are included in Appendix I.
Tigers in India: Contribution and Conservation
India harbors over 70% of the world’s tiger population, spread across 53 tiger reserves in 18 states. According to the last tiger census of 2018, the Indian tiger population showed positive growth trends. Moreover, India achieved its goal of doubling the tiger population four years ahead of the target year (2022) set in the St. Petersburg Declaration on tiger conservation.
Key Tiger Conservation Projects in India
India has initiated multiple conservation projects aimed at preserving and protecting the tiger population. Project Tiger 1973, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), provides safe habitats for tigers within the national parks. One noteworthy accomplishment is the designation of the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
