Tiger population rises sharply in Valmiki reserve over 15 years | Patna News
Bettiah: The tiger population in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district has increased more than sevenfold over a 15-year period, rising from eight in 2010 to 54 in the last census conducted in 2022. Forest officials estimate that the number of big cats could touch 70 after the ongoing census is completed.Official records show a steady increase in the tiger count at VTR with numbers rising from eight in 2010 to 28 in 2014, 31 in 2018 and 54 in 2022. The growth marks a significant conservation success for Bihar’s only national park.Established in 1990 as the country’s 18th tiger reserve, VTR has a core area of 909.86 sq km. It shares a nearly 100-km-long forest boundary with Nepal’s Chitwan National Park and is also tenuously connected to the Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. The Gandak and Masan rivers flow through the reserve, which has a total perimeter of around 150 km. About 120 villages lie on its fringes, while nearly 350 villages fall within the sensitive zone.West Champaran forest conservator-cum-director Neshamani K attributed the rise in tiger numbers to sustained habitat improvement and protection measures. “It is due to the highest standard of habitat management that the number of tigers in VTR has increased from eight in 2010 to 54 at present. Besides, more than 35 other species of animals have been found in the reserve,” he said.He explained that improved habitat management led to an expansion of grasslands, which boosted the population of herbivores and, in turn, supported the growth of the tiger population. “The improved habitat management has led to expansion of the grassland, which has increased the population of herbivores. The herbivores population has in turn led to a rise in the number of tigers,” he said.Neshamani K added that grassland area in the reserve has increased substantially over the years. “The earlier grassland was made in 1,400 hectares in VTR, but now the area of grassland has been increased to 2,400 hectares. Hence, the number of herbivorous animals like deer, chital and sambhar has increased. Due to their increase, the arrangement of food for tigers has become easy,” he said.He said security measures have also played a key role in conservation efforts. “To strengthen the security system of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, a Special Tiger Protection Force has been formed. Along with this, more than 600 local youths have been deployed as tiger trackers and anti-poaching camps. Forests are being protected by forming eco development committees in every village,” he said.According to him, four trained elephants brought from Karnataka are being used for patrolling during the monsoon season. He added that enhanced security by the SSB, forest guards and veterinarians has contributed to the rise in wildlife numbers. “The increase in VTR’s tiger count indicates a friendly wildlife environment and a healthy forest. Work will be continued in the future so that the increase in numbers continues,” he said.(Report by Dilip Kumar)
