Assam: Bengal Tigress Captured After Covering More Than 100 Km

A tigress originating from West Bengals Buxa Tiger Reserve was safely captured in Assam after travelling more than 100 kilometres from its original habitat. The successful operation was carried out through coordinated efforts by forest officials from West Bengal and the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), with assistance from local authorities and residents.

Identified as BT1, the tigress was released into the wild at Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2, 2026. However, it subsequently crossed into Assam and made its way to Raimona National Park in the Bodoland Territorial Region, according to forest officials. From October 23 onwards, the animal continued moving through different forest stretches before venturing close to human settlements in Kokrajhar district. Its movement towards populated areas raised concerns about a possible human-wildlife conflict, prompting authorities to step up surveillance and initiate efforts to secure the animal.

Forest departments from West Bengal and Bodoland subsequently launched a joint tracking and rescue operation. The teams worked alongside the district administration, police personnel and local communities to monitor the tigresss movements and ensure that it could be captured without harm. Officials described the successful operation as an example of effective coordination between neighbouring states and regional authorities in addressing wildlife-related challenges, particularly when animals move beyond established administrative boundaries.

Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah congratulated the teams involved and appreciated their coordinated efforts in bringing the operation to a successful conclusion. He also commended forest personnel from West Bengal and Bodoland for their dedication to protecting the tigress, highlighting the importance of cooperation in wildlife conservation and the prevention of human-animal conflict.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.