Current Affairs-Topics

Bihar to Establish Second Tiger Reserve in Kaimur

Bihar's central government has given approval for the establishment of a second tiger reserve in Kaimur district. The proposal, announced by Bihar's Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Prem Kumar, involves developing the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve.

Approval and Proposal

The central government has given in-principle approval for Bihar's second tiger reserve in Kaimur district.
The proposal came from the Bihar government to develop Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) into a tiger reserve.
Announced on October 8, 2024, by Bihar's Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Prem Kumar.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and its technical committee approved the proposal at their 12th meeting.

Need for a New Tiger Reserve

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district is currently Bihar's only tiger reserve.
VTR has exceeded its carrying capacity of 45 tigers, now hosting 54 tigers.
The Status of Tigers Report 2022 showed VTR's tiger population grew from 31 in 2018 to 54 in 2022.
A second reserve is necessary to ensure sustainable management and an eco-friendly atmosphere for the growing tiger population.

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS)

Established in 1982, covering an area of 4,500 square kilometers.
Part of the Kaimur Range in the Vindhya Hills.
Known for its diverse flora, including sal and teak trees, and fauna such as leopards, deer, and monkeys.
Features scenic waterfalls, adding to its natural beauty.
Kaimur's forests cover 1,134 square kilometers, the largest in Bihar with 34% green cover.
Connected to wildlife corridors in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Development Plans

450 square kilometers of forest designated as prime tiger habitat, reduced from an initial proposal of 900 square kilometers.
Buffer zone to include Shergarh Fort (a major tourist attraction) and 58 villages, excluded from the core zone.
Some tigers from VTR will be relocated to the new Kaimur Tiger Reserve.
The proposal for fixing and developing KWLS as an eco-sensitive zone has been submitted to the Centre.

Historical Context

Tigers were last spotted in Kaimur in 1995 before recent sightings.
In 2018, then-Kaimur District Forest Officer Satyajeet Kumar reported new evidence of tiger presence.
A team of experts, including former WII Director AJT Johnsingh, evaluated the site and recommended it as a tiger reserve.

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