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Remarkable Growth of Tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

A Study of Biodiversity and Conservation in Bihar

Remarkable Growth of Tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

  • 26 Dec, 2025
  • 260

Valmiki Tiger Reserve: A Biodiversity Hotspot

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve, located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, has witnessed a significant increase in its tiger population over the past 15 years. The latest census in 2022 revealed that the tiger count surged from just eight in 2010 to an impressive 54.

Location and Geography

This unique reserve lies at the India-Nepal border, marking the northern edge of West Champaran. It serves as the easternmost boundary of the Himalayan Terai forests in India and is recognized as the only tiger reserve in Bihar. The reserve consists of the Valmiki National Park and the Valmiki Wild Sanctuary, situated within the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone.

Surroundings and Drainage

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is bordered to the north by the Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal and the Gandak River to the west, with the majestic Himalayan mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Several rivers, including the Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa, flow through various regions of the reserve, contributing to its rich ecosystem.

Vegetation and Flora

The reserve showcases an array of vegetation types, including tropical wet deciduous forests, grasslands, savannas, and riverine forests. The dominant tree species is the Sal tree, complemented by other varieties such as teak, bamboo, semal, and khair. This diverse flora supports a wide range of wildlife.

Fauna Diversity

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is home to a rich variety of fauna. Besides tigers, it hosts leopards, fishing cats, leopard cats, sambar deer, hog deer, spotted deer, black bucks, gaurs, sloth bears, langurs, and rhesus monkeys. This biodiversity underscores the importance of conservation efforts in the region.

Conservation Efforts

The remarkable growth in the tiger population exemplifies the successful conservation initiatives undertaken in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement has played a crucial role in safeguarding this vital ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the current tiger population in Valmiki Tiger Reserve?
Answer: The latest census in 2022 shows that the tiger population in Valmiki Tiger Reserve has increased to 54 from just 8 in 2010.

Q2. Where is Valmiki Tiger Reserve located?
Answer: Valmiki Tiger Reserve is located at the India-Nepal border in the northern part of the West Champaran District of Bihar, India.

Q3. What types of vegetation can be found in the reserve?
Answer: The reserve features various vegetation types, including tropical wet deciduous forests, grasslands, savannas, and riverine forests, with Sal trees being the most dominant.

Q4. How does the reserve contribute to biodiversity?
Answer: Valmiki Tiger Reserve supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species, thereby playing a crucial role in preserving biodiversity in the region.

Q5. What are the main conservation efforts in the reserve?
Answer: Key conservation efforts in Valmiki Tiger Reserve include habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement to protect wildlife and their habitats.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What was the tiger population in Valmiki Tiger Reserve in 2010?
A) 54
B) 8
C) 20
D) 30
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which river borders the Valmiki Tiger Reserve to the west?
A) Ganges
B) Gandak
C) Yamuna
D) Brahmaputra
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What type of forests dominate the Valmiki Tiger Reserve?
A) Tropical dry forests
B) Tropical wet deciduous forests
C) Temperate forests
D) Coniferous forests
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which animal is NOT found in Valmiki Tiger Reserve?
A) Tiger
B) Lion
C) Leopard
D) Sloth bear
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which national park borders Valmiki Tiger Reserve to the north?
A) Kanha National Park
B) Jim Corbett National Park
C) Royal Chitwan National Park
D) Sundarbans National Park
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: What is a significant threat to the biodiversity of Valmiki Tiger Reserve?
A) Urbanization
B) Climate change
C) Poaching
D) Invasive species
Correct Answer: C

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