Tiger Reserves in Bihar

Bihar Tiger Reserves UPSC

Valmiki Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Bihar.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

1. Valmiki Tiger Reserve is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar in northern India.
2. The reserve is named after the great sage Valmiki, who is believed to have written the epic Hindu Ramayana.
3. In 1978, the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary was established.
4. In 1990, Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary declared a national park.
5. In 1989-90, the Valmiki National Park was upgraded to Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
6. Area: The eserve covers an area of approximately 899 square kilometers (347 square miles).
1. Core/critical tiger habitat : 598.45 sq km
2. Buffer/peripheral area : 300.93 sq km
3. Total : 899.38 sq km
7. Hills: The tiger reserve encompasses foothill ranges of Shivalik Himalayan.
8. River: Following river passes through Valmiki Tiger Reserve:
1. Gandak
2. Masan
3. Pandai
4. Manor
5. Harha
6. Sonha
7. Pachnad
8. Bhapsa
9. Tribe: The major tribal communities found in and around the reserve are:
1. Tharu Tribe
2. Dhangar Tribe
10. Flora: Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest (Sal, rohini, sihor etc.), Sub-Mountainous Semi-Evergreen Forest (Jamun, Ficus species, and Agai), Freshwater Swamps and Riparian Fringes, Alluvial Grasslands, High Hill Savannah etc.
11. Fauna: Tigers, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs, Leopard Cat, Fishing Cat, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Indian Bison (Gaur), Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Serow, Kaleej Pheasant, Hill Myna, Monitor Lizard, Crocodile, Hill Turtle etc.
12. Valmiki Tiger Reserve is famous for Indian Bison (Gaur) population.
13. The Bihar State Government has established an Elephant Rescue Centre within the premises of Valmiki Tiger Reserve.