Buxa Tiger Reserve
Encyclopedia
The Buxa National Park is a national park
located in West Bengal
, India
, in the Buxa hills of the southern hilly area of Bhutan
. Located inside the national park is the 760 km² Buxa Tiger Reserve. Animals found in the park include, the tiger
, civet
and red jungle fowl.
sub-division of Jalpaiguri
district of West Bengal
. Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan
. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam
State. National Highway No.31 C roughly runs along its southern boundary. It is the eastern most extension of extreme bio-diverse North-East India
& represents highly endemic Indo-Malayan region. The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this Reserve. The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan
is contiguous to North of BTR. Manas National Park
lies on east of BTR. BTR, thus, serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India
and Bhutan
. To the south-west, the Chilapata Forests
form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types.
declared its intentions to constitute a National Park over 117.10 km² of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. State Government finally declared National Park vide notification No.3403-For/11B-6/95 dt. 05.12.1997.
(2600 feet (792.5 m) above m.s.l.). People have sentimental attachment with the fort on accounts of its association with the struggle for freedom. Once Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was confined inside the fort. A sacred temple – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - lies in BTR. Around 10,000 devotees of Lord Shiva congregate here on "Shiva Chouturdoshi".
The main species constitutes trees like Sal, Champ
, Gamar, Simul
, Chikrasi.
, Tiger
, Gaur
, Wild boar, Sambar
.
_at_jayanti,_duars,_wb_w_picture_333.jpg)
In the Reserve more than 284 species of birds, 73 species of mammals, 76 species of snakes, 5 species of amphibians have been identified so far. In a recent survey (2006) it has been found that Buxa Tiger Reserve has the highest number of fish species in the North Bengal
region. Apart from tiger
s animals like Elephant
s, bear
s, civet
s, giant squirrel, Gaur
, Chital
, clouded leopard
, wild Buffaloes, antelope
and snakes including the Regal Python are found here.
_at_23_mile_near_jayanti,_duars,_west_bengal_w_img_5877.jpg)
About 230 species of birds and innumerable butterflies add colour to the forest. The rivers of Raidak and Jayanti
which flow through the forest and the Narathali lake are home to migratory birds as well as endemic ones which abound the place. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, Red-stars, Wagtail
s, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal
, black stork
, Large Whistling Teal, Minivet
s, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here. Two new species of frog have been discovered in the park in the year 2006.
, Asian Elephant
, Leopard cat
, Bengal Florican
, Regal Python, Chinese Pangolin
, Hispid hare
, Hog deer
Lesser Adjutant "Leptoptilos javanicus", White-rumped Vulture "Gyps bengalensis", Slender-billed Vulture "Gyps tenuirostris", Chestnut-breasted Partridge "Arborophila mandellii", Rufous necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis "Ferruginous",
Pochard "Aythya nyroca" and Great Hornbill "Buceros bicornis".
s and Bangladeshis. There is a 4 km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4500 ft (1,371.6 m)) or a 14 km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan
from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13 km trek to Jayanti
through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal
cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa
(17 km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
or at Jayanti
.
Reserve cars are available from Kings Travels, Dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486
and Turtles are kept. Festivals are held at certain time of the year by both Buddhist and Hindus and local tribals.
, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Jayanti
at the banks of the river Jayanthi nestled between mountains and thick forests.
– 195 km away
Nearest Rail Station: Alipurduar Junction / New Alipurduar – 17 km
Nearest Town/ City: Alipurduar
– 17 km
By Road: NH 31 is the main highway. One can hire a car from Alipurduar.
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
located in West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, in the Buxa hills of the southern hilly area of Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
. Located inside the national park is the 760 km² Buxa Tiger Reserve. Animals found in the park include, the tiger
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
, civet
Civet
The family Viverridae is made up of around 30 species of medium-sized mammal, including all of the genets, the binturong, most of the civets, and the two African linsangs....
and red jungle fowl.
Location
Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) lies in AlipurduarAlipurduar
Alipurduar is a sub-divisional municipal city of Jalpaiguri district, and is located at the eastern end of the district. Situated on the east bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, the town is a gateway to Bhutan and North Eastern states of India...
sub-division of Jalpaiguri
Jalpaiguri
Jalpaiguri is a city in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of Jalpaiguri district, and the divisional headquarters of the North Bengal region.-History:...
district of West Bengal
West Bengal
West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous. It is also the seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants. A major agricultural producer, West Bengal is the sixth-largest contributor to India's GDP...
. Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
State. National Highway No.31 C roughly runs along its southern boundary. It is the eastern most extension of extreme bio-diverse North-East India
North-East India
Northeast India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States, Sikkim, and parts of North Bengal...
& represents highly endemic Indo-Malayan region. The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this Reserve. The Phipsu Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
is contiguous to North of BTR. Manas National Park
Manas National Park
Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is a Wildlife Sanctuary, UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve in Assam, India. Located in the Himalayan foothills, it is contiguous with the Royal Manas National park in Bhutan...
lies on east of BTR. BTR, thus, serves as international corridor for elephant migration between India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
. To the south-west, the Chilapata Forests
Chilapata Forests
The Chilapata Forest is a dense forest near Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Dooars, Jalpaiguri District. It is about 20 km from Alipurduar, and just a few minutes away from Hasimara town...
form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protect park situated at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in Alipurduar Sub-Division of Jalpaiguri District in West Bengal and on the bank of river Torsa and have an area of 141 km² and altitude of 61 m...
. The reserve encompasses as many as eight forest types.
Conservation history
Buxa Tiger Reserve created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve. In 1986, Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted over 314.52 km² of the Reserve forests. In the year 1991, 54.47 km² area was added to Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. A year later, in 1992, Government of West BengalGovernment of West Bengal
The Government of West Bengal also known as the State Government of West Bengal, or locally as State Government, is the supreme governing authority of the Indian state of West Bengal and its 19 districts...
declared its intentions to constitute a National Park over 117.10 km² of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. State Government finally declared National Park vide notification No.3403-For/11B-6/95 dt. 05.12.1997.
Archaeology
The historic Buxa FortBuxa Fort
Buxa Fort, is a fort atop the Buxa Hill at a height of 2600 feet, 30 km from Alipurduar. For a long time it was a point of contention between the King of Bhutan and the Cooch Kings. Until the British on invitation of the Cooch King intervened and captured the fort in the end of the eighteenth...
(2600 feet (792.5 m) above m.s.l.). People have sentimental attachment with the fort on accounts of its association with the struggle for freedom. Once Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was confined inside the fort. A sacred temple – Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - lies in BTR. Around 10,000 devotees of Lord Shiva congregate here on "Shiva Chouturdoshi".
Forest types
- Northern Dry Deciduous
- Eastern Bhabar and Terai Sal
- East Himalayan Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
- Sub-Himalayan Secondary Wet Mixed Forest
- Eastern Sub-Montane Semi-evergreen Forest
- Northern Tropical Evergreen Forest
- East Himalayan Subtropical Wet Hill Forest
- Moist Sal Savannah
- Low alluvium
- Savannah Woodland
Flora
More than 300 species of trees, 250 species of shrubs, 400 species of herbs, 9 species of cane, 10 species of bamboo, 150 species of orchids, 100 species of grass and 130 species of aquatic flora including more than 70 sedges (Cyperaceae) have been identified so far. There are more than 160 species of other monocotyledons and ferns.The main species constitutes trees like Sal, Champ
Champ
Champ may refer to:*an abbreviation for champion, a winner of a competition*Champ Car, class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing**Champ Car World Series, international open-wheel championship...
, Gamar, Simul
Simul
Simul can refer to:* Simultaneous exhibition, in chess* Bombax, a genus of trees...
, Chikrasi.
Fauna
The main species include Asian ElephantAsian Elephant
The Asian or Asiatic elephant is the only living species of the genus Elephas and distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized — Elephas maximus maximus from Sri Lanka, the Indian elephant or E. m. indicus from mainland Asia, and E. m....
, Tiger
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
, Gaur
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
, Wild boar, Sambar
Sambar Deer
The Sambar ' is a large deer native to southern and southeast Asia. Although it primarily refers to R. unicolor, the name "Sambar" is also sometimes used to refer to the Philippine Deer and the Rusa Deer...
.
North Bengal
North Bengal is a term used for the northern parts of Bangladesh and West Bengal. The Bangladesh part denotes the Rajshahi Division. Generally it is the area lying west of Jamuna River and north of Padma River, and includes the Barind Tract. The West Bengal part denotes Cooch Behar, Darjeeling,...
region. Apart from tiger
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
s animals like Elephant
Elephant
Elephants are large land mammals in two extant genera of the family Elephantidae: Elephas and Loxodonta, with the third genus Mammuthus extinct...
s, bear
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
s, civet
Civet
The family Viverridae is made up of around 30 species of medium-sized mammal, including all of the genets, the binturong, most of the civets, and the two African linsangs....
s, giant squirrel, Gaur
Gaur
The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
, Chital
Chital
The chital or cheetal , also known as chital deer, spotted deer or axis deer is a deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and in small numbers in Pakistan...
, clouded leopard
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is a felid found from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia into China, and has been classified as vulnerable in 2008 by IUCN...
, wild Buffaloes, antelope
Antelope
Antelope is a term referring to many even-toed ungulate species indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia. Antelopes comprise a miscellaneous group within the family Bovidae, encompassing those old-world species that are neither cattle, sheep, buffalo, bison, nor goats...
and snakes including the Regal Python are found here.
Jayanti
Joyonti is a small forest village within Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is located along the Jayanti River, forming a natural border with the Bhutan hills. It is popular with hikers for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wild fountains...
which flow through the forest and the Narathali lake are home to migratory birds as well as endemic ones which abound the place. The Hornbills including greater Pied Hornbill, Ibis Bill, Trans Himalayan Migratory Goosanders, Red-stars, Wagtail
Wagtail
The wagtails form the passerine bird genus Motacilla. They are small birds with long tails which they wag frequently. Motacilla, the root of the family and genus name, means moving tail...
s, the rare black necked crane, migratory common teal
Common Teal
The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is a common and widespread duck which breeds in temperate Eurasia and migrates south in winter. The Eurasian Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small dabbling ducks in much of its range...
, black stork
Black Stork
The Black Stork Ciconia nigra is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It is a widespread, but rare, species that breeds in the warmer parts of Europe, predominantly in central and eastern regions. This is a shy and wary species, unlike the closely related White Stork. It is seen in...
, Large Whistling Teal, Minivet
Minivet
The minivets are passerine birds belonging to the genus Pericrocotus in the cuckoo-shrike family Campephagidae. There are about 13 species, occurring mainly in forests in southern and eastern Asia. They are fairly small, slender birds with long tails and an erect posture. Many species have bright...
s, White Eyed Poachared are some of the bird species sighted here. Two new species of frog have been discovered in the park in the year 2006.
Endangered species
Some of the endangered species found in BTR are Indian TigerTiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
, Asian Elephant
Asian Elephant
The Asian or Asiatic elephant is the only living species of the genus Elephas and distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized — Elephas maximus maximus from Sri Lanka, the Indian elephant or E. m. indicus from mainland Asia, and E. m....
, Leopard cat
Leopard Cat
The leopard cat is a small wild cat of South and East Asia. Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern by IUCN as it is widely distributed but threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range...
, Bengal Florican
Bengal Florican
The Bengal Florican , also called Bengal Bustard, is a very rare bustard species from tropical southern Asia. It is the only member of the genus Houbaropsis...
, Regal Python, Chinese Pangolin
Chinese Pangolin
The Chinese Pangolin is a pangolin that is found in north India, Nepal, Bhutan, possibly Bangladesh, across Myanmar to northern Indochina, through most of Taiwan and southern China, including the islands of Hainan.-Conservation:...
, Hispid hare
Hispid Hare
The Hispid hare Caprolagus hispidus, also called Assam rabbit is a leporid native to South Asia, whose historic range extended along the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Today, the habitat of hispid hares is highly fragmented with an area of occupancy of less than extending over an estimated...
, Hog deer
Hog Deer
The Hog Deer is a small deer whose habitat ranges from Pakistan, through northern India, to mainland southeast Asia...
Lesser Adjutant "Leptoptilos javanicus", White-rumped Vulture "Gyps bengalensis", Slender-billed Vulture "Gyps tenuirostris", Chestnut-breasted Partridge "Arborophila mandellii", Rufous necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis "Ferruginous",
Pochard "Aythya nyroca" and Great Hornbill "Buceros bicornis".
Threats to the Reserve
- Most rivers enter BTR from Bhutan. They carry huge amount of bed load. They obliterate beds of BTR rivers. Flooding is frequent. Critical habitats are lost.
- Over one lakh cattle graze in the Reserve daily. Weeds, unpalatable grasses and shrubs have invaded the over grazed areas.
- Hilly, Bhabhar and riverine tracts of core suffer from fire. Generally Non Timber Forest Produce collectors and shepherds put forests on fire.
- No frequent poaching cases. Tribal population in tea gardens poach small mammals during Holi festival illicitly as part of ritual hunting.
- Bodo militants from Assam occasionally enter core. Timber thieves operate in the area.
- Five forest hamlets in hilly tract viz. Adma, Chunabhati, Santrabari, Tobgaon and Tashigaon have some encroachments by way of unauthorised Orange Orchards.
Trekking
Buxa (2,600 ft) is a two hour trek through picturesque surroundings from Santlabari, the starting point. The Buxa Duar fort here was used as a prison by the British, because of its remoteness. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned here. After independence, it served as a refugee camp for TibetanTibetan people
The Tibetan people are an ethnic group that is native to Tibet, which is mostly in the People's Republic of China. They number 5.4 million and are the 10th largest ethnic group in the country. Significant Tibetan minorities also live in India, Nepal, and Bhutan...
s and Bangladeshis. There is a 4 km further trek to Rovers Point (the land of unknown birds at 4500 ft (1,371.6 m)) or a 14 km trek to Roopam Valley in Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
from Bhutan. From Buxa, one can also take the 13 km trek to Jayanti
Jayanti
Joyonti is a small forest village within Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is located along the Jayanti River, forming a natural border with the Bhutan hills. It is popular with hikers for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wild fountains...
through the beautiful jungle preferably with a guide. There is a stalactite cave, popularly known as the Mahakal
Mahakal
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on...
cave at Jayanti. Another entry point Rajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa is a small town situated just outside the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by forest. All the permits for the entry to the Buxa Tiger reserve can be taken from here...
(17 km from Alipurduar) has an orchidarium, animal rescue centre and a nature interpretation centre.
Park safari
One can have a park safari by car or jeep by taking permission from the Forest Office at RajabhatkhawaRajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa is a small town situated just outside the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by forest. All the permits for the entry to the Buxa Tiger reserve can be taken from here...
or at Jayanti
Jayanti
Joyonti is a small forest village within Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is located along the Jayanti River, forming a natural border with the Bhutan hills. It is popular with hikers for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wild fountains...
.
Reserve cars are available from Kings Travels, Dial-098304-28401/ 093319-39486
Other
You can visit “Pukri Mai”, a small sacred pond situated inside the park where fishes like Magur and SingiSingi
Singi is a hut along trecking and ski-touring route Kungsleden in the northern part of Sweden.-In the vicinity:Singi is, as many of the huts along Kungsleden, an excellent base for making day trips...
and Turtles are kept. Festivals are held at certain time of the year by both Buddhist and Hindus and local tribals.
Lodging
There are forest rest houses of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation at RajabhatkhawaRajabhatkhawa
Rajabhatkhawa is a small town situated just outside the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by forest. All the permits for the entry to the Buxa Tiger reserve can be taken from here...
, Nimati, Barobisha, Raidak, Raimatang, Bhutanghat, Buxaduar and Jayanti
Jayanti
Joyonti is a small forest village within Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. It is located along the Jayanti River, forming a natural border with the Bhutan hills. It is popular with hikers for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and wild fountains...
at the banks of the river Jayanthi nestled between mountains and thick forests.
Approach
Nearest Airport: BagdograBagdogra
Bagdogra is a small town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, which is surrounded by tea gardens. Bagdogra is well connected by rail and air to the rest of the country. Bagdogra Airport is the only airport in North Bengal, which is now an International Airport. -References:...
– 195 km away
Nearest Rail Station: Alipurduar Junction / New Alipurduar – 17 km
Nearest Town/ City: Alipurduar
Alipurduar
Alipurduar is a sub-divisional municipal city of Jalpaiguri district, and is located at the eastern end of the district. Situated on the east bank of Kaljani River on the foothills of the Himalayas, the town is a gateway to Bhutan and North Eastern states of India...
– 17 km
By Road: NH 31 is the main highway. One can hire a car from Alipurduar.