Buxa Tigress Rescued After 100-Km Journey into Assam
BT1 safely captured in a joint operation involving forest officials from West Bengal, Bodoland and local authorities
- Tigress BT1 safely captured after travelling over 100 km into Assam.
- The animal had been released at Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2.
- Joint operation involved West Bengal and Bodoland forest teams.
- Assam minister Jayanta Mallabaruah praises the rescue effort.
GG News Bureau
KOKRAJHAR, 4th Nov: A Buxa tigress that travelled more than 100 kilometres from West Bengal into Assam has been safely captured following a coordinated rescue operation involving forest officials from both states, the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), local authorities and communities.
The tigress, identified as BT1, was released into the wild at Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2, 2026. She later crossed into Assam and reached Raimona National Park in the BTR, according to forest officials.
From October 23, the animal continued moving through forested areas before approaching human settlements in Kokrajhar district, raising concerns about the safety of residents as well as the tigress.
Forest departments from West Bengal and Bodoland subsequently launched a joint monitoring and rescue operation with support from the district administration, police and local communities. Teams tracked her movements and took measures to ensure her safe capture.
Officials said the successful operation demonstrated the importance of coordination between states in managing wildlife movement across administrative boundaries and reducing the risk of human-animal conflict.
Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah praised the teams involved, describing the operation as an example of inter-state coordination and a shared commitment to wildlife conservation. He also congratulated forest personnel from West Bengal and Bodoland for ensuring the tigress’s safety.
