Following establishing the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran, Bihar will soon have its second tiger reserve in the Kaimur district. The central government has taken a significant step toward wildlife conservation by granting in-principle approval for Bihar’s second tiger reserve in Kaimur district. This vital decision comes in response to a proposal from the Bihar government to transform the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a designated tiger reserve. The state’s Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister, Prem Kumar, confirmed this exciting development, underscoring the commitment to preserving our rich biodiversity for future generations.

　　Kumar stated that a proposal to designate Kaimur forests—Bihar’s largest wildlife sanctuary—as a tiger reserve is in the final stages. In addition to tigers, Kaimur forests are home to several other wild animals and host migratory birds. He emphasised that this is a significant advancement for wildlife protection in Bihar. However, additional technical approvals from the Centre are still needed before we can issue the formal declaration. Work on developing the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as a tiger reserve has already begun. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and its technical committee provided in-principle approval at their 12th meeting.

　　Increase In Numbers

　　A primary motivation for creating the new reserve is the rising population of tigers at VTR, which has exceeded its capacity. VTR is currently home to 54 tigers, surpassing its intended capacity of 45. This growth is highlighted in the 2022 Status of Tigers Report, prepared by the NTCA and the Wildlife Institute of India. The report reveals the increase from only 31 tigers in 2018. State officials have decided to relocate these tigers to Kaimur Tiger Reserve to address this critical issue. This initiative will ensure better management of the tiger population and foster a sustainable and eco-friendly environment in both reserves, promoting biodiversity and conservation efforts.

　　About Valmiki Tiger Reserve

　　Valmiki National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Bihar's largest forest, lies in the Terai region of the Shivalik Hills, just across the border from Nepal's Chitwan National Park. Covering an impressive area of 880 square kilometres, this sanctuary is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. With its diverse species, including tigers, leopards, flying foxes, flying squirrels, wildcats, langurs, sloth bears, and antelopes, along with 241 bird species and a variety of reptiles and butterflies, Valmiki National Park is a true wildlife haven. You will encounter stunning landscapes of steep ravines, knife-edge ridges, and sheer walls shaped by landslips and erosion. The almost 30-kilometre road through this pristine forest leads you to the Gandak Barrage and offers an unforgettable experience of nature's raw beauty. Read more about it here.