National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

National Park in Bihar

Valmiki National Park

• Location: Situated in the western part of Bihar, bordering Nepal.
• Area: Covers approximately 800 square kilometers.
• Wildlife: Home to various species including tigers, leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of birds.
• Features: Dense forests, riverine ecosystems, and hilly terrains. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is an important habitat for several endangered species.
• National Parks are crucial for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity. They provide a protected environment for various species and help in maintaining ecological balance. Valmiki National Park plays a significant role in preserving the natural heritage of Bihar.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Bihar

Wildlife sanctuaries are protected areas designated for the conservation of various species of flora and fauna. These areas are crucial for preserving biodiversity and providing a safe habitat for endangered and vulnerable species. Bihar is home to 12 wildlife sanctuaries, each with its unique ecosystem and range of species. Here’s a list of the wildlife sanctuaries in Bihar:

• Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kanwar Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve
• Guru Gobind Singh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nagi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nakti Dam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tikari Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhagalpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Valmiki National Park

Location and Area

• Situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar.
• Covers an area of approximately 335.65 square kilometers.

Establishment

• Inaugurated in the year 1989.

Flora

• Bhabar Sal Forests
• Dry Shiwalik Sal Forests
• Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests
• Open Land Vegetation

Fauna

• Bengal Tigers
• Indian Rhinoceros
• Black Bears
• Indian Sloth Bears
• Indian Leopards
• Wild Dogs
• Boars

Birds

• Kalij Pheasant
• Three-toed Quail
• Paradise Flycatcher
• Grey Shrike

Project Tiger

• Included under Project Tiger in 1991.
• Only Tiger Reserve in Bihar.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Location

• Situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar.

Composition

• Comprises Valmiki National Park and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flora

• Freshwater Swamps
• Canebrakes
• Eastern Wet Alluvial Grasslands
• Dry Shiwalik Sal Forests
• Khair-Sissoo Forests

Fauna

• Black Bears
• Indian Sloth Bears
• Indian Rhinoceros
• Buffalo
• Bour Antelopes
• Barking Deer
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Blue Bulls

Tiger Population

• 2010: 8 tigers
• 2014: 28 tigers
• 2018: 40 tigers

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Bihar

A wildlife sanctuary is declared by the government to protect, propagate, or develop wildlife or its environment due to its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance. Here are the important wildlife sanctuaries in Bihar:

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

Establishment and Location

• Established in 1976 in the Munger district of Bihar.
• Covers an area of 681.99 square kilometers.
• Located south of the Ganges River, at the northern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and west of Santhal Pargana.

Biomes and Flora

• Comprises two major biomes: grassland and forest.
• Important flora includes:
• Sal forests
• Bamboo forests
• Grasslands

Fauna

• Notable fauna includes:
• Tigers
• Panthers
• Wild boars
• Sloth bears
• Sambar deer
• Chitals
• Four-horned antelopes
• Nilgais

Bird Life

• The sanctuary is renowned for its bird life, including:
• Peafowl
• Grey partridge
• Quail
• Malabar hornbill
• Falcon
• Kite

Tourist Attractions

• Nearby places of interest include: Bhimbandh, Rishi Kund, Rameshwar Kund, Kharagpur lake, etc.

Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary

Location and Area

• Situated in the Gaya district of Bihar.
• Covers an area of 138.34 square kilometers.

Establishment

• Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976.

Historical Background

• Previously a private hunting reserve before becoming a sanctuary.

Ecoregions

• Covers portions of the lower Gangetic plains, moist deciduous forests, and Chota Nagpur dry deciduous forests ecoregions.

Fauna

• Notable wildlife includes:
• Tigers
• Leopards
• Sambars
• Sloth bears
• Wolves
• Spotted deer
• Nilgai
• Chinkaras

Pant (Rajgir) Wildlife Sanctuary

• Establishment and Location: The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 1978. It is situated in the Nalanda district of Bihar, covering an area of 35.84 square kilometers. The sanctuary is located in the Rajgir hills, part of the South Gangetic plain.
• Fauna:The sanctuary is home to various species of wildlife, including:
• Chital (Spotted Deer): Known for their distinctive spots, these deer are a common sight in the sanctuary.
• Blue Bull: Also known as the Nilgai, this is the largest antelope in India.
• Striped Hyena: A scavenger known for its unique stripes and adaptability.
• Indian Crested Porcupine: Recognizable by its quills, this nocturnal rodent is found in the sanctuary.
• Asian Palm Civet: A small mammal known for its climbing ability and distinctive appearance.
• Jungle Cat: A wild cat species adapted to various habitats, including forests and grasslands.
• Avifauna:The sanctuary is also rich in bird species, including:
• Painted Spurfowl: A ground-dwelling bird known for its colorful plumage.
• Eurasian Thick-knee: A wading bird recognized by its thick knee joints.
• Quails: Both black and grey quails are found here.
• Hornbills: Distinctive birds known for their large bills.
• Parrots, Doves, and Mynas: Common birds found in various habitats within the sanctuary.
• Bamb Park (Venu Vana): In addition to the sanctuary, there is a park called Bamb Park, constructed by the Forest Department. This park is home to animals like cheetals (spotted deer), nilgais (blue bulls), and sambhars (a large deer species).

Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary

• Establishment and Location: Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1978 and is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It covers an area of 8.87 square kilometers and is situated on an oxbow lake in the floodplain of the Gandak River.
• Flora: The sanctuary features various types of forests, including:
• Swamp Forest: These are wetland forests found in areas that are periodically flooded.
• Dry Riverine Forest: Forests along riverbanks that experience seasonal dryness.
• Khair-Sissoo Forests: Forests composed of Khair and Sissoo trees, known for their durability and resistance to flooding.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is home to several species of wildlife, including:
• Spotted Deer: Also known as Chital, these deer are characterized by their spotted coat.
• Barking Deer: A species known for its barking call, often found in dense forests.
• Wild Boar: A common wild pig species found in various habitats.
• Nilgai: The largest antelope in India, also known as the Blue Bull.
• Civet: A small, nocturnal mammal known for its distinctive markings and scent.
• Wolf: A wild canid known for its pack behavior and adaptability.
• Jungle Cat: A wild cat species adapted to various habitats, including forests and grasslands.
• Porcupine: A rodent known for its quills, found in various habitats.
• Birdlife: Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary is also a habitat for migratory and resident water birds, especially during the winter months when migratory birds visit the sanctuary.

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location and Establishment: Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kaimur district of Bihar and was established in 1982. It is the largest sanctuary in the state, covering an area of approximately 1,342 square kilometers.
• Natural Features: The sanctuary is known for its stunning natural features, including several waterfalls, with the Karkat and Telhar waterfalls being among the most notable. Additionally, there are several lakes within the sanctuary, with Anupam Lake being the most famous.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:
• Bengal Tigers: Known for their distinctive stripes, these big cats are a major attraction.
• Indian Leopards: Another big cat species known for its adaptability and spotted coat.
• Indian Boars: Wild pigs that are common in various habitats.
• Sloth Bears: A bear species known for its shaggy coat and insect-based diet.
• Sambar Deers: Large deer known for their antlers and size.
• Chitals: Also known as spotted deer, these are common in the sanctuary.
• Four-Horned Antelope: A unique antelope species with four horns.
• Nilgais: The largest antelope in India, also known as the Blue Bull.

Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary

• Location and Area: The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. It spans an area of 50 square kilometers along the Ganges River, specifically from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon.
• Establishment: The sanctuary was designated in 1990, making it the first protected area for the endangered Gangetic dolphins in Bihar.
• National Aquatic Animal: The Gangetic dolphin has been declared the National Aquatic Animal of India due to its ecological significance and the need for its conservation.
• Dolphin Population: The sanctuary is home to an estimated 240 to 480 endangered Gangetic dolphins, which are known for their distinctive features and adaptability to freshwater environments.

Important Bird Sanctuaries in Bihar

Bihar is home to several important bird sanctuaries that provide habitat for a variety of bird species, including migratory birds. Here are some of the notable bird sanctuaries in the state:

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary

• Establishment: The Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary was established in 1987.
• Location: It is located in the Jamui district of Bihar.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.92 square kilometers.
• Bird Species: The sanctuary is known for bird species such as red-crested pochard, pintail ducks, and coots. During the winter season, migratory birds visit the sanctuary.

Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary

• Establishment: Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1987.
• Location: It is situated in the Jamui district of Bihar.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of 3.33 square kilometers.
• Bird Species: The sanctuary is home to bird species such as red-crested pochard, common pochard, pintail ducks, pond heron, egrets, and swamp partridges. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary during the winter season.

Kabar (Kanwar) Jheel Bird Sanctuary

• Establishment: Kabar Jheel Bird Sanctuary was established in 1987.
• Location: The sanctuary is located in the Begusarai district of Bihar.
• Area: It covers an area of 67.5 square kilometers, making it the largest bird sanctuary in Bihar.
• Significance: Kabar Jheel is one of the great wetlands in the world and serves as a crucial habitat for many migratory birds, especially those migrating from Mongolia and Russia (Siberian region).
• Bird Species:The sanctuary is home to various bird species, including:
  • Critically Endangered Species: Oriental white-backed vulture and long-billed vulture.
  • Vulnerable Species: Greater adjutant, greater spotted eagle, and lesser kestrel.
  • Near Threatened Species: Black-bellied tern.
  • Other Species: Sarus crane, Indian darter, and painted stork.

Gogabil Bird Sanctuary

• Location and Formation: Gogabil is an oxbow lake created by the meandering of the Kankar River. Due to its global, national, and regional importance, the State Government declared it a bird sanctuary in 1990.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of 0.88 square kilometers, making it the smallest bird sanctuary in Bihar.
• Migratory Birds: During the monsoon and winter seasons, around 300 migratory birds visit the lake.
• Bird Species: Some of the important bird species found here include the Eurasian coot, pintail, common teal, grey teal, gadwall, shoveler, red-crested pochard, white-eyed pochard, tufted duck, marsh harrier, and coot.
• Community Reserve: On August 2, 2019, Gogabil was declared the state’s first ‘Community Reserve.’
• Water Sources: Gogabil is formed by the confluence of the Mahananda and Kankahar rivers in the north and the Ganga River in the south and east.

Kusheshwar Sthan Bird Sanctuary

• Establishment: The Kusheshwar Sthan Bird Sanctuary was established in 1994.
• Location: It is located in the Darbhanga district of Bihar.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of 29.17 square kilometers.
• Composition: The sanctuary consists of 14 villages that are part of the Kusheshwar Sthan block in Darbhanga. These villages are usually waterlogged for most of the year.
• Migratory Birds: The sanctuary is known as the winter capital for at least 15 endangered migratory bird species that migrate from Mongolia and Siberia. Arrival of Siberian Birds: Siberian birds arrive at the sanctuary in October.
• Important Bird Species: Some of the key bird species found in the sanctuary include the Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Darter, Bar-headed Goose, and Siberian Crane.

Baraila Jheel Salim Ali-Jubba Sahni Bird Sanctuary

• Declaration: Baraila Jheel was declared as the Salim Ali-Jubba Sahni Bird Sanctuary in 1997.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of 1.96 square kilometers.
• Location: It is located in the Vaishali district of Bihar.
• Migratory Birds: The lake is a natural habitat for about 59 species of migratory birds.
• Resident Birds: There are also around 106 species of resident birds, including teal, cormorants, eagles, white-breasted kingfishers, pied egrets, spoonbills, pelicans, coots, grebes, green parrots, gulls, and lalsar.
• Important Flora: The sanctuary has various important flora, including oak trees, bhatel (locally known as ‘Ejara,’ a favorite tree of birds), and red-cotton trees.

Buxar Bird Sanctuary

• Location: The Buxar Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Buxar district of Bihar.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of 25 square kilometers.
• Migratory Birds: One of the notable bird species is the Lalsar, which migrates from Kashmir to this sanctuary in October and returns in March.

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

• Establishment: The park was initially established as a Botanical Garden in 1969 and opened to the public as a zoo in 1973.
• Area: It covers an area of 152.95 acres.
• Location: The park is located in the Patna district of Bihar.
• Animal Species: The park is home to over 110 animal species, including tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants, Himalayan black bears, jackals, blackbucks, and spotted deer.
• Rhino Breeding Centre: The park has the world’s second-largest and Asia’s largest Rhino Breeding Centre.
• Snake House: There is also a snake house within the park.
• Plastic Prohibition Area: The State Government has developed this park as the state’s First Plastic Prohibition Area.
• Protected Forest: The park was declared a protected forest by the State Government in March 1983.
• Flora: The park has a diverse range of flora, including 300 species of trees, herbs, shrubs, and medicinal plants. It also features an orchid house, a fern house, a glass house, and a rose garden.

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) in Bihar

Bihar is home to 13 eco-sensitive zones as declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India. Here are the eco-sensitive zones:

• Baraila Jheel Salim Ali Bird Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Kanwar (Kabar) Jheel Bird Sanctuary 
• Kusheshwar Sthan Bird Sanctuary 
• Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary 
• Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary 
• Pant (Rajgir) Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Valmiki National Park

Wetlands in Bihar

• Wetlands are unique ecosystems characterized by their coverage of water. The National Wetlands Atlas of India estimates the total wetland area in Bihar to be 4,03,209 hectares, which constitutes approximately 4.4% of Bihar's total geographical area.
• The predominant type of wetland in Bihar is rivers and streams, accounting for about 74% of the total wetland area. Notable natural wetlands in Bihar include Kanwar Lake, Baraila Lake, Kusheshwarnath Lake, Udaypur Lake, and Kabar Wetland, all of which have been identified under the National Wetland Conservation Programme. However, there are currently no wetlands in Bihar listed under the Ramsar Convention.

Initiatives by the State Government for Wildlife Protection

The state government has undertaken several initiatives to protect wildlife, including:

• The Bihar Government plans to launch its first nature safari (zoo safari) in Rajgir, located in the Nalanda district.
• The Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, is developing the Barela Jheel Salim Ali Bird Shelter and the Kusheshwar Sthan Bird Shelter.
• The State Government has tasked the Energy and Resource Institute with creating a comprehensive management plan for the Pant Shelter in Rajgir.
• The Wildlife Adoption Scheme allows individuals, families, organizations, or institutions to adopt a wild animal in a zoo, covering its diet and maintenance costs for a specified period.