Tigress T138 released into Buxa Tiger Reserve as part of reintroduction program

In a significant development for wildlife conservation, a three-year-old tigress, identified as T138, was successfully released into the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal on October 2, 2026. This event was marked by the presence of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who acknowledged its significance in launching a phased tiger reintroduction programme in the region, as reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India [1].

The female tigress was brought to Buxa from Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, where she was captured after a multi-day effort. Upon her arrival at Buxa, she was under observation and fitted with a radio collar to facilitate monitoring during her acclimatization to the new environment [2].

Contextual reporting leading up to the release provides valuable insights. The Statesman reported on September 30, 2026, about her health and the planned formal release at approximately 9 a.m. on October 2, in conjunction with the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti. The Times of India corroborated this follow-up, detailing the preparations taken to ensure T138's successful transition to the reserve [2].

The release is part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring the tiger population in Buxa Tiger Reserve, which has experienced a prolonged absence of a stable tiger population. The West Bengal Tiger Augmentation and Recovery Project, supported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India, has been in motion since 2018, and various habitat enhancements and monitoring efforts have precedently taken place [1].

Following the release on October 2, it was reported that by October 4, 2026, T138 had ventured outside the soft-release enclosure and into the surrounding forest. Reports indicate that wildlife foresters are actively monitoring her movements, ensuring a gradual adjustment rather than a hasty full release. The Times of India stated that the observation occurred around 4:50 p.m. on October 4, when alarm calls from spotted deer were heard, suggesting that they had detected the presence of the new predator [3].

In light of the ongoing monitoring, restrictions on tourism in Buxa have been extended until October 9, allowing for an uninterrupted observation period that is essential for the tigress's adjustment to her new habitat [3].

Overall, the initiative to reintroduce T138 into the Buxa Tiger Reserve underscores significant efforts in tiger conservation within West Bengal. The project aims not only to restore the local tiger population but also to enhance the ecological balance of the region, which has been impacted by years of fluctuations in wildlife presence. The official narrative is strongly supported by independent news reports, affirming the coordinated efforts for tiger restoration in Buxa [1].

Sources

• [1] Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau
• [2] Bengal tiger reintroduction: Three-year-old tigress brought from Valmiki Tiger Reserve healthy - The Statesman
• [3] Deer alarms ring across Buxa after decades as ‘shy’ tigress finally steps out of her enclosure | Kolkata News - The Times of India

Researched and edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.