Bengal Tigress Safely Captured in Assam After Travelling Over 100 Kilometres

**GUWAHATI, November 4, 2026:** A three-year-old tigress from West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve has been safely captured in Assam after travelling more than 100 kilometres across the state border. The operation was carried out through coordinated efforts by forest officials from Assam and West Bengal. The tigress, identified as BT1 and also known as Dooars Rani, was released into the wild at Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2, 2026. She later crossed the Sankosh River on October 23 and entered Raimona National Park in Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region. **Joint Operation by Forest Departments** After entering Assam, the tigress continued moving through forest areas in Kokrajhar district. Her movement towards areas close to human settlements raised concerns about the safety of local residents as well as the animal. Forest officials from Assam and West Bengal jointly monitored her movements. The operation also received support from the district administration, police personnel and local communities. On Tuesday evening, November 3, the teams successfully tranquilised and captured the tigress near the Kokrajhar area. The operation involved trained elephants and other support teams from West Bengal. **Tigress Taken Back to Buxa Tiger Reserve** Following her capture, the tigress was transported back to West Bengal's Buxa Tiger Reserve. Forest officials said she was in good health and would remain under observation. West Bengal Forest Minister Manoj Oraon appreciated the cooperation provided by Assam's authorities and local residents during the operation. Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah also praised the joint efforts, highlighting the importance of cooperation between neighbouring states in wildlife conservation. **Importance of Wildlife Conservation** The incident highlights how wildlife can move across state boundaries through connected forest landscapes. It also underlines the importance of cooperation between forest departments to protect animals and reduce potential human-wildlife conflict. The safe capture and return of BT1 marked a successful example of coordination between Assam and West Bengal. **PARBIJUL INDIA** *Reporting on Assam, India and the World.*