Good news for tiger lovers! Bihar is all set to get a second tiger reserve in Kaimur district. For those who don’t know, Bihar already has Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran. The project has already got approval from the central government. The Bihar government has also proposed to develop the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve.
The news was confirmed by the state’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Prem Kumar. The minister said, “For the conservation of tigers, a proposal to make Kaimur forests — Bihar’s largest wildlife sanctuary — a tiger reserve is in the final stage. After VTR in West Champaran, Bihar will soon get its second tiger reserve in Kaimur district. Apart from tigers, there are several other wild animals in Kaimur forests, which also hosts migratory birds.”
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Another prime reason is also the growing population of tigers at VTR, which is going beyond its capacity. State officials have announced that these tigers will be relocated to the upcoming Kaimur Tiger Reserve, ensuring effective management and an eco-friendly environment in both reserves.
Tiger status in VTR
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As of now, VTR has 54 tigers. The park has surpassed its capacity of 45. In 2022, the Status of Tigers Report, prepared by the NTCA and the Wildlife Institute of India, showed the growth in VTR’s tiger population, which was recorded at just 31 in 2018.
The movement to establish the Kaimur Tiger Reserve started in 2018 when Satyajeet Kumar, the then-District Forest Officer of Kaimur, reported sightings of tigers, along with pugmarks and prey remains. Prior to this, tigers had not been spotted in the region since 1995. Following these discoveries, a team of experts conducted a site visit and evaluation of the sanctuary later to be designated as a tiger reserve.
More about VTR
Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar is an important tiger sanctuary in Bihar, India. The sanctuary is spread across 880 sq km and is home to a range of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, and several species of deer. VTR is part of the Valmiki National Park, which also serves as an important corridor for wildlife migration between India and Nepal.
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The reserve plays a key role in tiger conservation and biodiversity preservation. With its lush forests, river systems, and rich flora, VTR is a crucial ecological hub in northeastern India.