Bihar, a state in eastern India, is endowed with a rich and diverse ecological heritage. It is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that play a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity, supporting ecological balance, and fostering eco-tourism. The sanctuaries protect an array of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species.
This article explores the key wildlife sanctuaries in Bihar, their ecological significance, unique features, and conservation challenges.
1. Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: West Champaran district
Area: 880 sq km
Key Features:
Part of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
Lies along the Indo-Nepal border and is part of the Terai region.
Comprises grasslands, swamps, and Sal forests.
Wildlife:
Mammals: Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and wild boars.
Birds: Parakeets, hornbills, and vultures.
Reptiles: Crocodiles and pythons.
Conservation Importance:
Supports Project Tiger, aimed at tiger conservation.
Vital corridor for wildlife between India and Nepal.
2. Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Spans parts of Gaya (Bihar) and Koderma (Jharkhand)
Area: 259 sq km
Key Features:
Named after Lord Buddha, associated with the regions cultural heritage.
Composed of mixed deciduous forests.
Wildlife:
Mammals: Leopards, hyenas, sambars, and nilgai.
Birds: Kingfishers, herons, and other wetland species.
Reptiles: Cobras and monitor lizards.
Tourist Activities:
Bird watching, trekking, and eco-tourism.
3. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Rohtas and Kaimur districts
Area: 1,342 sq km
Key Features:
The largest wildlife sanctuary in Bihar.
Situated along the Kaimur Range, rich in archaeological heritage.
Home to several waterfalls and lakes.
Wildlife:
Mammals: Tigers, leopards, wild boars, and four-horned antelopes.
Birds: Partridges, quails, and peacocks.
Aquatic Life: Freshwater fishes in lakes and rivers.
Flora:
Dominated by Sal, Teak, and Mahua trees.
Tourist Attractions:
Karkat Waterfall and Telhar Lake.
4. Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park
Location: Near Ranchi, also accessible from Bihar
Area: Spread over 104 hectares
Key Features:
Serves as a biological park rather than a traditional sanctuary.
Offers a zoo, botanical garden, and safari zones.
Wildlife:
Zoo Animals: Tigers, lions, elephants, and zebras.
Birds: Parakeets, macaws, and flamingos.
5. Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Nalanda district
Area: 35 sq km
Key Features:
Nestled in the Rajgir Hills, with scenic landscapes.
Ancient ruins and hot springs nearby enhance its tourist appeal.
Wildlife:
Mammals: Barking deer, hares, and jackals.
Birds: Babblers and jungle fowls.
Reptiles: Various snakes and monitor lizards.
Conservation Challenges:
Increasing urbanization and tourism pressures.
6. Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: West Champaran district
Area: 8.87 sq km
Key Features:
Encompasses wetlands and marshy areas.
Important for migratory and resident birds.
Wildlife:
Birds: Migratory species like Siberian cranes and bar-headed geese.
Reptiles: Marsh crocodiles.
Importance:
Key habitat for wetland species and a vital ecological zone.
7. Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary
Location: Begusarai district
Area: Covers Kanwar Lake (an oxbow lake)
Key Features:
Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake.
Designated as a Ramsar Site in 2020.
Wildlife:
Birds: Greater adjutant storks, painted storks, and pelicans.
Aquatic Life: Fish and amphibians.
Tourism:
Bird-watching during migratory seasons.
Eco-tourism initiatives to promote sustainable tourism.
8. Pant Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Munger district
Area: 49 sq km
Key Features:
Named after environmentalist Pandit Ram Sunder Das Pant.
Focuses on the conservation of local flora and fauna.
Wildlife:
Mammals: Indian hare, jungle cat, and porcupine.
Birds: Warblers and doves.
Ecological Significance of Bihars Sanctuaries
Biodiversity Hotspots: Sanctuaries like Valmiki and Kaimur serve as biodiversity reservoirs.
Corridor Connectivity: Provide migratory routes for species like tigers and elephants.
Climate Mitigation: Forests and wetlands regulate local climate and support groundwater recharge.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Eco-tourism creates employment for local communities.
Conservation Challenges
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment into forest areas leads to conflicts.
Deforestation: Illegal logging and agriculture expansion threaten habitats.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall affect biodiversity.
Pollution: Water bodies like Kanwar Lake face pollution from nearby settlements.
Lack of Resources: Insufficient funding and manpower hinder effective management.
Government Initiatives
Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Provides a legal framework for conservation.
Eco-Sensitive Zones: Buffer areas around sanctuaries to reduce human impact.
Project Tiger: Strengthened tiger conservation in Valmiki.
Ramsar Recognition: Boosts conservation efforts for wetlands like Kanwar Lake.