BTR‑TF‑1, a three‑year‑old tigress, was airlifted aboard an Indian Air Force C‑130J from Hasimara Air Force Base to Buxa Tiger Reserve on Oct 2, 2023 to commemorate the state’s Wildlife Week.
The tiger was released into a 1‑km zone within the reserve, but the animal has since crossed that boundary and entered neighboring Assam.
Buxa had been devoid of tigers for over a decade, with the last confirmed sightings dating back to 2009‑10, prompting the translocation effort.
Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said the tigress is exploring its natural habitat and will be monitored every hour; authorities have no plans to tranquilize or bring it back.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority has been notified, and the government aims to introduce more tigers to Buxa to reestablish a resident population, coordinating closely with Assam officials.