After a 23-year hiatus, Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal has seen a tiger return for the second time in two years. This event has incited hope for not only a resurgence in the tiger population but also the potential for a more vibrant ecosystem.
About Buxa Tiger Reserve
The Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), along with the National Park, spans across an expansive area of 760 square kilometers in the Alipurduar district of North Bengal. Although Buxa is considered as a region with a low density of tigers, it forms part of a larger tiger territory that extends to Bhutan. It is also home to a multitude of rivers like Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima, and Nonani, which enhance the biodiversity of the Buxa National Park.
Corridor Connectivity
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reports that the Reserve has crucial linkages with the forests of Bhutan in the North; Kochugaon forests (Assam) and Manas Tiger Reserve (Assam) in the East; and the Jaldapara National Park in the West. This interconnectivity crucially supports the migration and genetic diversity of the Bengal tigers.
Flora and Fauna
The Reserve’s ecosystem thrives with the presence of notable tree species such as Sal, Champ, Gamar, Simul, and Chikrasi. The primary wildlife species constituting the ecosystem include the Asian Elephant, Tiger, gaur (Indian bison), Wild boar, Sambar, and Wild dog (Dhole). It also serves as a home to several endangered species like the Leopard cat, Bengal florican, Regal python, Chinese Pangolin, Hispid hare, and Hog deer.
Conservation Initiatives
The Reserve has taken substantial steps towards enhancing the tiger’s prey base by introducing chitals (spotted deer), thus creating a conducive environment for their return. Grassland expansion is another proactive measure that aids in developing an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife, alongside reducing human interference. The focus is to mitigate infiltration and control trespassing, thereby promoting a peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Under the Tiger Augmentation Project launched in 2018, the state forest department, Wildlife Institute of India, and the NTCA have collaborated to monitor and boost the tiger population.
Other Protected Areas in West Bengal
West Bengal also hosts other protected areas such as Gorumara National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Sundarban Tiger Reserve, Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve, and Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve. These areas significantly contribute to conserving the state’s wildlife diversity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination, one question was about the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat” among various Tiger Reserves. The options provided were Corbett, Ranthambore, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, and Sundarbans. The answer was Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam.