Kaimur / Patna : Bihar is set to bolster its wildlife conservation efforts with the establishment of its second tiger reserve. The central government is preparing to designate the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as a protected reserve, a move that will significantly expand the state’s tiger habitat.
Spanning an area four times larger than the existing Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)—home to 54 tigers—the new reserve is expected to accommodate a thriving tiger population. Plans are underway to relocate tigers from other reserves across India, with the first arrivals set to be introduced in May.
Eco-Sensitive Zone to Safeguard Wildlife
A proposal to declare Kaimur Tiger Reserve as an eco-sensitive zone is expected to be submitted to the central government by March 20. If approved, the designation will prohibit the establishment of new industries and factories within a 10-km radius, ensuring the sanctuary remains undisturbed.
The reserve will feature a 450 sq km core zone, where human activity will be strictly prohibited, and a 1,050 sq km buffer zone, which will include Shergarh Fort, villages, temples, and other historic landmarks.
A 300-km Wildlife Corridor to Enhance Conservation
Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is a crucial link in a larger 300-km-long wildlife corridor, connecting tiger reserves in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The corridor extends from Sonbhadra and Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh) to Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), while also linking to Palamu Tiger Reserve and Garhwa Forest (Jharkhand).
This natural corridor will enable the safe movement of tigers and other wildlife, reducing human-wildlife conflict and strengthening conservation efforts across multiple states.
Tigers in Kaimur: A Discovery Since 2019
The presence of tigers in Kaimur was first documented in 2019, when pugmarks and scat were discovered in the Tilauthu region. The Wildlife Institute of India later confirmed these findings, and in 2020, camera traps captured the first images of a tiger in the sanctuary. This spurred intensified conservation efforts in the region.
A New Home for Straying Tigers
Tigers from Valmiki Tiger Reserve frequently wander into human settlements, leading to conflict and safety concerns. The new Kaimur Tiger Reserve will serve as a safe relocation site for these tigers, helping to balance VTR’s growing population while ensuring their protection.
