The Bihar government has announced the development of the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as the state’s second tiger reserve. This initiative aims to address the growing tiger population in the existing Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), which has reached its capacity.
Approval from the Centre
Environment and Forest Minister Prem Kumar stated that the Central government has given in-principle approval for developing KWLS as a tiger reserve. The state government is currently finalizing the modalities for both the development of KWLS and the translocation of tigers from VTR.
Details of Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Area: KWLS covers an area of 1,504.96 square kilometers.
- Current Tiger Population: The VTR has recorded an increase in its tiger population, with the current number standing at 54, marking a significant achievement for Bihar.
Historical Context
The VTR, which occupies a core area of 909.86 square kilometers within the Valmiki Sanctuary in West Champaran district, was established in 1990 as the 18th tiger reserve in India. It ranks fourth in tiger population density in the country. Rivers Gandak and Masan flow through the reserve, creating a picturesque landscape.
Geographic Location of Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
- North: Bounded by Bhojpur, Buxar, and parts of Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh).
- South: Adjacent to Palamu and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand.
- West: Close to Sonabhadra and Varanasi districts of Uttar Pradesh.
- East: Neighbouring Aurangabad and Jehanabad districts of Bihar.
Biodiversity
The KWLS supports significant populations of various wildlife species, including:
- Mammals: Leopard, sloth bear, chital, sambar, wild pig, nilgai, and chowsingha.
- Birds: Approximately 70 species.
Expert Opinion
Environment and Forest Secretary Bandana Preyashi remarked, “It’s a perfect sanctuary to be developed as a tiger-bearing landscape.” Historical records indicate that tigers were present in KWLS until the mid-1990s.
Current Wildlife Management Initiatives
In light of the damage caused by nilgai and wild boars to crops in six districts, the government is executing a culling drive. Minister Kumar reported that trained shooters have killed a total of 743 nilgais in Vaishali, East Champaran, Begusarai, Buxar, Siwan, and Samastipur districts between September 9 and September 22, following established procedures.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary purpose of developing Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as announced by the Bihar government?
- A) To establish a new national park
- B) To develop it as the state’s second tiger reserve
- C) To enhance tourism in the area
- D) To cull wild boars
- What is the current tiger population in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)?
- A) 40
- B) 54
- C) 60
- D) 30
- Which rivers flow through the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)?
- A) Ganga and Yamuna
- B) Gandak and Masan
- C) Kosi and Sone
- D) Brahmaputra and Ghaghara
- How many nilgais were culled in the six districts according to the report?
- A) 500
- B) 743
- C) 1000
- D) 250
- Which department provided in-principle approval for developing KWLS as a tiger reserve?
- A) Ministry of Environment
- B) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- C) Forest Department
- D) Wildlife Conservation Society