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Buxa Tiger Reserve Map, Flora, Fauna, Significance

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India. It was established in the year 1983 and was declared a national park in the year 1992. The reserve covers an area of 759 square kilometers and does not have any resident tigers. The reserve was declared a tiger reserve in 1983, but no tiger sightings have been reported since the 1990s. There are several reasons for the low tiger numbers in Buxa Tiger Reserve, including habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.

The Buxa Tiger reserve also suffers from encroachment and illegal logging activities, which further degrade the habitat and threaten the survival of tigers and other wildlife species. In addition to tigers, the reserve is also known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is a part of the Buxa-Kamakhyasagar Elephant Reserve and shares its boundaries with Bhutan.

Read about: Tiger Reserves in India

Buxa Tiger Reserve Landscape 

Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in the northern part of West Bengal and is surrounded by the Buxa Hills, a branch of the Eastern Himalayas. The highest peak in the reserve is Raimatang which rises up to a height of 2,250 meters above sea level. The reserve also has other important mountain ranges such as the Sinchula Range and the Chel Range.

The main rivers flowing through the reserve are the Sankosh, Raidak, and Jayanti rivers. The Sankosh River originates from the Himalayas and is the largest river in the reserve. The Raidak River is another important river that originates from Bhutan and flows through the reserve before joining the Brahmaputra River. The Jayanti River, also known as the “Queen of Buxa,” is a small stream that originates from the Bhutan Hills and flows through the reserve, providing water to the wildlife.

The climate of the reserve is mostly humid subtropical with hot summers and cool winters. The monsoon season begins in June and lasts until September, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. The best time to visit Buxa Tiger Reserve is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are most active.

Read about: Panna Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve Map

Here is a map of Buxa Tiger Reserve given below for a better understanding:

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve Fauna 

Below is an elaborate account of the diverse fauna species that inhabit Buxa Tiger Reserve.

Fauna Important Species Unique Feature
Mammals Indian Gaur, Elephant, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Fishing Cat, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Chinese Pangolin, Indian Pangolin, Indian Civet, Large Indian Civet, Small Indian Civet, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet Diverse range of mammals, including many endangered and rare species
Birds Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, White-crested Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Himalayan Cutia, Rufous-throated Partridge, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzard, White-throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher Rich birdlife with a mix of resident and migratory species
Reptiles King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Banded Krait, Common Krait, Rat Snake, Indian Cobra, Checkered Keelback, Green Pit Viper, Oriental Garden Lizard, Indian Monitor Lizard Variety of snakes, including venomous species, as well as lizards
Amphibians Indian Bullfrog, Green Frog, Bicoloured Frog, Wrinkled Frog, Skittering Frog, Asian Toad, Marbled Toad Diverse range of frogs and toads, including several endemic species
Fishes Pabdah Catfish, Snakehead Murrel, Rita Catfish, Indian Trout, Ticto Barb, Olive Barb, Indian Glassy Fish, Garra, Danio, Barilius Rich aquatic fauna, including several species of fish

Read about: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve Flora 

Among the significant floral species found in Buxa Tiger Reserve are the following:

Important Species Scientific Name Unique Qualities
Sal Shorea robusta Dominant tree species, used for timber and other forest products
Teak Tectona grandis Valuable timber species, used for furniture and construction
Champa Michelia champaca Fragrant flowers used for perfumes and traditional medicine
Poinciana regia Poinciana regia Ornamental flowering tree, used for landscaping
Rhododendron Rhododendron arboreum Evergreen tree with showy flowers, used for ornamental purposes
Bamboo Bambusa arundinacea Used for construction and handicrafts
Elephant Apple Dillenia indica Fruit used for making pickles and curries
Indian Gooseberry Phyllanthus emblica Edible fruit with medicinal properties
Wild Banana Musa balbisiana Edible fruit with medicinal properties
Wild Betel Nut Palm Areca catechu Edible nuts used for chewing and traditional medicine
Indian Mahogany Swietenia mahagoni Valuable timber species, used for furniture and construction

Read about: Pench Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve Tourism 

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can expect to witness the beauty of dense forests, streams, and waterfalls. The reserve offers a variety of activities such as trekking, camping, bird watching, and jungle safaris.

The nearest airport and railway station to the reserve is in Siliguri, which is around 160 km away. From Siliguri, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Buxa Tiger Reserve. The reserve can also be reached by road from Kolkata and other nearby cities. The best time to visit Buxa Tiger Reserve is between October and May when the weather is pleasant and the chances of wildlife sightings are higher.

Some of the nearby tourist places that can be visited along with Buxa Tiger Reserve are Jayanti, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park, and Chilapata Forest.

Read about: Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Buxa Tiger Reserve UPSC 

Buxa Tiger Reserve is a significant topic in the UPSC Syllabus under the Environment and Ecology section. Aspirants are expected to have a detailed understanding of the reserve’s location, flora and fauna, and conservation efforts. To prepare for the UPSC exam, candidates can refer to various online resources and UPSC Mock Test platforms such as Explore StudyIQ UPSC for effective exam preparation and evaluation of their preparation level.

Read about: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

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Buxa Tiger Reserve FAQs

What is Buxa Tiger Reserve famous for?

Buxa Tiger Reserve is famous for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.

How many tigers are there in Buxa Tiger Reserve?

Buxa Tiger Reserve has no tigers currently.

Are there tigers in Buxa?

Previously, there were tigers in Buxa, but their numbers have declined significantly.

Which animal is famous in Buxa Tiger Reserve?

The Asian Elephant is a famous animal in Buxa Tiger Reserve.

About the Author

I, Sakshi Gupta, am a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. My objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. I strive to make my content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!

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