Buxa Tiger Reserve, situated in the northeastern part of West Bengal, India, is a significant protected area established in 1983. Covering approximately 760 square kilometers, it forms an integral part of the Eastern Himalayas, a region known for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems. The reserve is bordered by Bhutan in the north and Assam in the east, creating a crucial wildlife corridor.

The terrain of Buxa Tiger Reserve is diverse, encompassing tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and riverine landscapes. This variety supports a wide range of flora and fauna. The reserve is particularly noted for its efforts to conserve the Bengal tiger, although sightings are relatively rare due to the dense vegetation and challenging terrain. Besides tigers, Buxa is home to a variety of other wildlife, including Indian elephants, clouded leopards, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, and several species of deer like sambar and barking deer.

Buxa Tiger Reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 284 species of birds recorded. Notable avian residents include the great hornbill, red-breasted parakeet, and the beautiful nuthatch. The diverse habitats provide ample opportunities for birdwatching, especially during the migratory season.

One of the unique features of Buxa is the Buxa Fort, a historical site within the reserve. The fort, dating back to the 18th century, has a storied past, including its use as a detention camp during British rule in India. The fort adds a cultural and historical dimension to the natural beauty of the reserve, attracting history enthusiasts alongside nature lovers.

Conservation efforts in Buxa Tiger Reserve focus on habitat management, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement. The reserve's authorities work with local communities to promote sustainable practices and enhance livelihoods, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Buxa Tiger Reserve stands as a testament to the delicate balance between nature conservation and cultural heritage, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and a serene retreat for visitors. Its lush landscapes, diverse species, and historical significance make it a vital component of India's conservation efforts.

Flora

The forests of the reserve can be broadly classified as the ‘Moist Tropical Forest’ of Champion and Seth’s (1968) recent classification. As the extent of this forest ranges from plains up to an elevation of 1,750 m. in the hills, a distinct variation in the crop composition is visible depending on altitude, soil moisture, topography drainage and soil formation. So far 352 species of trees, 133 species of shrubs, 189 species of herbs, 108 species of climbers, 144 species of orchids, 46 species of grasses, 16 species of sedges, 6 species of canes and 4 species of bamboos have been reported.

Fauna

Buxa has a good faunal diversity. As many as, 68 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, more than 246 species of birds, 4 species of Amphibians along with 103 species of fishes and around 500 species of insects have been recorded. The main carnivores include: Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Sloth Bear (Melursus unsinus), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverina), Civet Cat (Viverricula indica), Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Jackal (Canis aureus), Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi), Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) and Wild dog (Cuon alpinus). The Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata) and the Golden Cat (Catopuma temmincki) were reported earlier but have not been sighted in the recent past.

The herbivores include: elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer and hog deer. Besides, there are other faunal species like: wild pig, porcupine, rhesus macaque, common pangolin and the Chinese pangolin. The numerous rivers and streams in the habitat contain a variety of fishes including the Mahseer. The reptiles include: King Cobra, Russel’s viper, Black Krait, Indian python, reticulated python. The habitat is rich in avifauna and the important ones are hill myna, crested serpent eagle, black francolin, horned bills and various species of water fowl.
 

By Rail:- The nearest Railway Station of Buxa Tiger Reserve is Alipurduar Junction or New Alipur.
By Road :-From Alipurduar the entry point of Buxa Tiger Reserve forest is Rajabhatkhawa which is just 15 km. From Siliguri the Buxa Tiger Reserve is 195 km.
By Air:- The nearest airport of Buxa Tiger Reserve is Bagdogra Airport ( 206 Km ).