National Parks in Bihar

Bihar National Parks UPSC

Valmiki National Park is the only National Park in Bihar.

1. Valmiki National Park

1. It is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India.
2. It is the only National Park and Tiger Reserve in Bihar.
3. The park encompasses foothill ranges of Shivalik Himalayan.
4. The park is bordered by the Gandak River to the west and the Chitwan National Park in Nepal to the north.
5. The park is named after the ancient sage Valmiki.
6. The park encompasses the Valmiki Ashram, a pilgrimage site associated with the sage Valmiki.
7. In 1978, the forest area surrounding Valmiki’s hermitage was designated as a wildlife sanctuary.
8. In 1990, wildlife sanctuary was declared Valmiki National Park.
9. In 1989-90, Valmiki National Park was declared the 18th Tiger Reserve of India under the prestigious Project Tiger initiative.
10. Area: The park spans approximately 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi).
11. River: Gandak, Masan, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Sonha, Pachnad, and Bhapsa river passes through the park. Gandak river forms the western boundary of park.
12. Tribe: The park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tharu and Dhangar.
13. Flora: Sal, Bamboo, Semal, Teak, Sissoo, Khair, Asan etc.
14. Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Black Bear, Indian Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Water Buffalo, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Striped Hyena, Leopard Cat, Flying Squirrel, Clouded Leopard, Indian Gaur, Green Barbet, Pied Hornbill, White-eared Night Heron, Pythons, King , Banded Kraits, Gharial, Monitor Lizard etc.
15. Bihar State government has established an elephant rescue centre at Valmiki National Park.