Buxa tigress’s miscarriage raises questions over translocation protocols

Wildlife experts raised concerns over translocation protocols after a three-year-old tigress suffered an alleged miscarriage following her transfer from Valmiki Tiger Reserve to Buxa Tiger Reserve and her subsequent entry into Raimona National Park. The West Bengal forest department found out about the miscarriage on November 7. Experts questioned the handling of the animal and the lack of proper health assessments prior to capture. A tiger conservationist stated anonymously, “The amount of times she was tranquillised, a miscarriage was quite obvious.” Experts pointed out that established monitoring protocols were ignored, and repeated tranquillisation occurred without adequate veterinary observation or evaluation of physiological and reproductive conditions. A veterinary officer explained that sedatives like ketamine and xylazine require careful assessment based on body weight and physical condition, followed by continuous monitoring of vital parameters. Experts stressed that animals must undergo a soft-release protocol, remaining in a secure enclosure for acclimatisation and observation for around seven days before release into the wild. An investigation or review of the procedures is expected as authorities address the operational lapses.