The Buxa Tiger Reserve prey base survey 2026 is a landmark initiative in Bengal’s conservation efforts. Conducted over six days, the survey focused on herbivore census and carnivore sign detection to assess the ecological health of the reserve. The findings will help determine whether Buxa can sustain a viable tiger population, a question that has long haunted conservationists given the reserve’s dwindling tiger sightings in recent decades.
2. Buxa Tiger Reserve Prey Base Survey 2026: The Survey
- Location: Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar district, West Bengal.
- Duration: Six days.
- Focus: Herbivore census (deer, gaur, wild boar, etc.) and carnivore signs (pugmarks, scat, scratch marks).
- Objective: To evaluate prey base density and carnivore presence.
- Methodology: Transect walks, camera traps, and indirect sign surveys.
3. Why Prey Base Matters
- Tiger survival: Tigers require a healthy prey base to sustain populations.
- Ecological balance: Herbivores regulate vegetation, carnivores regulate herbivores.
- Conservation planning: Data helps design habitat restoration and anti‑poaching strategies.
- Tourism potential: A thriving prey base attracts wildlife enthusiasts and boosts eco‑tourism.
4. Community Concerns
- Residents: Fear human‑wildlife conflict if prey base expands near villages.
- Farmers: Worry about crop damage from herbivores.
- Civil society: Demand transparency in survey results.
- Youth: Express excitement about prospects of tiger revival.
5. Political Context
- Government of West Bengal: Supports survey as part of conservation strategy.
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Provides technical guidance.
- Opposition voices: Question whether surveys translate into real conservation outcomes.
- Civil society: Urges integration of community welfare with conservation.
6. Governance Challenges
The prey base survey reflects systemic governance issues:
- Habitat degradation: Encroachment and deforestation reduce prey density.
- Poaching: Herbivores often targeted for meat, weakening tiger survival chances.
- Corridor disruption: Connectivity with Bhutan and Assam forests disrupted.
- Trust deficit: Communities sceptical about conservation promises.
7. Government External Links for Assistance
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): https://ntca.gov.in
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): https://moef.gov.in
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
- Supreme Court of India:
https://main.sci.gov.in(main.sci.gov.in in Bing) (bing.com in Bing) - Ministry of Tourism: https://tourism.gov.in
8. Historical Context of Buxa Tiger Reserve
- 1980s: Declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
- 1990s–2000s: Reports of dwindling tiger numbers raised alarm.
- 2010s: Doubts emerged about tiger extinction in the reserve.
- 2026: Current survey aims to provide clarity on prey base and carnivore presence.
9. Community Impact
- Families: Pride in reserve’s recognition but concern about safety.
- Farmers: Demand compensation for crop damage.
- Youth: See eco‑tourism opportunities in tiger revival.
- Civil society groups: Call for participatory conservation.
10. Global Comparisons
Similar prey base surveys worldwide:
- Nepal: Chitwan National Park revived tiger numbers through prey base expansion.
- Bangladesh: Sundarbans tigers face prey depletion due to climate change.
- Russia: Siberian tiger conservation succeeded with strict prey protection laws.
Buxa’s case mirrors these global struggles where prey base management is key to carnivore survival.
11. Governance Lessons
The Buxa survey teaches:
- Scientific monitoring is vital for credible conservation.
- Prey base expansion must be prioritised.
- Community participation ensures coexistence.
- Judicial oversight can protect reserves from encroachment.
12. Future Outlook – Tiger Conservation in Bengal
India must move towards:
- Digitised prey base monitoring systems accessible to forest officials.
- Eco‑friendly tourism models to generate revenue for conservation.
- Cross‑border cooperation with Bhutan for corridor management.
- Integration of conservation with rural development in North Bengal.
13. Conclusion
The Buxa Tiger Reserve prey base survey 2026 is more than a scientific exercise—it is a symbol of resilience. By assessing herbivore density and carnivore presence, conservationists hope to determine whether Buxa can once again become a thriving tiger landscape. For Bengal, the lesson is clear: conservation success depends on respecting nature’s balance while empowering local communities.
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