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.

 

Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? The central government has given its in-principle approval for Bihar’s second tiger reserve in Kaimur district.
Approval – The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted in-principle approval for Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) to become a tiger reserve.

– Additional technical approvals are required for formal declaration.

Objectives of Kaimur Tiger Reserve – Manage the growing tiger population in Bihar.

– Ensure sustainable and eco-friendly environment in both reserves.

Significance – The Kaimur Tiger Reserve marks a significant step in wildlife conservation.

– The forests in Kaimur cover 1,134 square kilometers with the highest green cover (34%) in Bihar.

– Connects to wildlife corridors in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Relocation Plans – Tigers from VTR will be relocated to Kaimur to manage overpopulation.

– Aims to maintain ecological balance and promote genetic diversity.

About Tiger Reserves – Tiger Reserves are protected areas designated for the conservation of tigers.

– A Tiger Reserve may also be a national park or wildlife sanctuary.

About NTCA – NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.

– Formed to strengthen tiger conservation under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

shivampatel1

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