Kaimur Approved as Bihar’s Second Tiger Reserve

The central government has given its in-principle approval for Bihar’s second tiger reserve in Kaimur district. This decision follows a proposal from the Bihar government to develop the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve. 

Current Situation

• Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran was the only tiger reserve in Bihar until now.
• VTR has exceeded its carrying capacity, currently housing 54 tigers, surpassing the ideal limit of 45.

Approval 

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted in-principle approval for KWLS to be designated as a tiger reserve during its 12th meeting.
• Additional technical approvals from the central government are required before formal declaration.

Objectives

• The establishment of the Kaimur Tiger Reserve aims to manage the growing tiger population in Bihar.
• Ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly environment in both reserves.

Significance

• The Kaimur Tiger Reserve marks a significant step forward for wildlife conservation in Bihar.
• It symbolizes the state’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and supporting the growing tiger population.
• Kaimur’s forests cover an area of 1,134 square kilometers, making them the largest in Bihar.
• The forests have the highest green cover in the state, with 34 percent coverage.
• They connect to adjoining wildlife corridors in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, enhancing their significance as a tiger habitat.

Relocation Plans

• Tigers from VTR will be relocated to Kaimur to alleviate overpopulation issues.
• This relocation will help maintain ecological balance and promote genetic diversity.

Development Plans for Kaimur Tiger Reserve

• Plans include creating a buffer zone around Shergarh Fort, a major tourist attraction, and accommodating 58 nearby villages.
• The core zone has been adjusted to 450 square kilometers of prime tiger habitat, down from an initial proposal of 900 square kilometers.

Historical Context

• The push to establish KWLS as a tiger reserve began in 2018 after tiger sightings and evidence were reported by forest officials.
• The last recorded sighting of tigers in the Kaimur area prior to 2018 was in 1995.

Expert Recommendations

• A site evaluation by experts, including former Wildlife Institute of India Director AJT Johnsingh, recommended the sanctuary’s designation as a tiger reserve.
• The evaluation highlighted the need for conservation efforts to manage the tiger population effectively.

About Tiger Reserves

• A protected area designated for the conservation of the striped big cats (tigers) is referred to as Tiger Reserve. 
• However, a tiger reserve may also be a national park or wildlife sanctuary.
• Tiger Reserves are notified by State Governments as per provisions of Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

About NTCA

• The NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation.

Objectives

• Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance of its directives becomes legal.
• Fostering accountability of Center-State in management of Tiger Reserves, by providing a basis for MoU with States within our federal structure.
• Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves.