Buxa Tiger Reserve

Recently, a mega four-month wildlife survey has been launched across the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The survey aims to assess the status of wildlife populations, habitat conditions, and biodiversity health within the reserve, strengthening conservation and management efforts.

Location and Geographical Setting

Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Its northern boundary shares an international border with Bhutan, giving the reserve significant transboundary ecological importance.

Ecological Significance

The reserve forms an important part of the fragile Terai Ecosystem, which is characterised by rich biodiversity and high ecological sensitivity. Buxa also functions as an international elephant migration corridor between India and Bhutan, making it crucial for the conservation of wide-ranging species.

Corridor Connectivity

Buxa Tiger Reserve has extensive landscape-level connectivity, which includes:

• Forests of Bhutan to the north,

• Kochugaon forests and Manas Tiger Reserve to the east, and

• Jaldapara National Park to the west.

This connectivity supports genetic exchange and species movement across the region.

River Systems

Two major rivers, the Raidak River and the Jayanti River, flow through the forests of the reserve. These rivers play a vital role in maintaining habitat diversity and water availability.

Vegetation and Forest Type

The forests of Buxa Tiger Reserve are broadly classified as Moist Tropical Forests. These forests support dense vegetation and diverse plant life.

Flora

Important plant species found in the reserve include:

• Sal,

• Champa,

• Gamar,

• Simul, and

• Chikrasi.

Faunal Diversity

Buxa Tiger Reserve supports a wide range of wildlife species. Key fauna include:

• Tiger,

• Asian elephant,

• Leopard cat,

• Gaur,

• Wild boar,

• Sambar,

• Hog deer, and

• Chinese pangolin.