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.