Wildlife Protected Areas | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Wildlife and Ecotourism of Bihar

• Bihar is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Among the important terrestrial species found in the state are the Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Hyena, Bison, Chital, and Barking Deer. In addition, Bihar's river systems host various species of Crocodiles, Magars, and Fishes, including the Gangetic Turtles. Notably, Bihar is home to the National Aquatic Animal, the Freshwater Dolphin, which can be found in the Ganges, Kosi, Gandak, Mahananda, and Paimar rivers. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, located in the Bhagalpur region of the Ganges, is dedicated to protecting these dolphins.
• The state is also known for its wetlands and a wide variety of both resident and migratory bird species. Important natural wetlands include Kanwar Lake, Baraila Lake, Kusheshwarnath Lake, and Udaypur Lake, as well as man-made lakes such as Nagi Dam and Nakti Dam, all of which have been designated as Bird Sanctuaries. Additionally, Bihar has a breeding population of Greater Adjutants in the Naugachia area of Bhagalpur district. The state has established a Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Bhagalpur to support wildlife conservation efforts.
• Bihar's wildlife sanctuaries provide excellent habitats for diverse wildlife, offering ample space and resources for animals to thrive. The state has become a significant refuge for various species, ensuring their survival in well-maintained environments.
• Currently, Bihar is home to an impressive 21 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks. These sanctuaries are designed with expansive areas to prevent the overlap of different animal territories and are equipped with advanced facilities for animal care. This infrastructure is crucial for the effective management and protection of the wildlife within these sanctuaries.

Below is the list of Major wildlife protected and their location:

• The Bihar Wildlife Sanctuaries provide sanctuary to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, sambars, sloth bears, cheetals, nilgai, wolves, wild dogs, pigs, leopards, hyenas, peafowls, pythons, jungle cats, serows, Indian civets, one-horned rhinoceroses, Indian buffaloes, monkeys, langurs, chausinghas, barking deer, rabbits, and many more remarkable creatures. The authorities in charge of these sanctuaries monitor the welfare of the animals, ensuring they face no disturbances, and strictly prohibit all forms of illegal poaching activities.
• Notable Bihar Wildlife Sanctuaries include the Palamau Tiger Reserve, which provides a serene habitat for tigers; Valmiki National Park; Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary; Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary; Bhimbandh Sanctuary; Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary; Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary; and Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary, among others.

Major Wildlife Sanctuaries in Bihar

Valmiki National Park

• Valmiki Nagar in Bihar is home to the Valmiki Ashram, named after Maharishi Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana.
• Initially, Valmiki, known as Ratnakara, made a living by taking things from others.
• Eventually, he chose to repent and transformed his life.
• He was later blessed and instructed to include the life of the Lord in his writings.

Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 34 square kilometers and is enriched by its scenic landscape. 
• The sanctuary is notable for its historical significance, with nearby ruins dating back to the era of Buddhism and Jainism. 
• The climate at Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by its wet and damp conditions, with frequent, substantial rainfall being a regular feature.

Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the low hilly region of Bihar and covers an area of 184 square kilometers, featuring dense tropical forests and grasslands. 
• The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is during the late winter. It is equipped with several observation towers that allow wildlife enthusiasts to get a closer view of the animals.

Bhimbandh Sanctuary

• Located not far from Bhagalpur, Bhimbandh Sanctuary covers a vast area of nearly 682 square kilometers. The sanctuary features a picturesque landscape of expansive meadows. 
• Positioned about 56 kilometers southwest of Munger, it is easily accessible from various parts of the country.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

• The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary consists of two scenic lakes, Pataura and Berhale, which together span approximately 565 hectares. Pataura covers 155 hectares, while Berhale covers 410 hectares. 
• The sanctuary is situated near the holy Ganges River, adding a serene atmosphere to its surroundings.

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

• Covering an area of approximately 8.75 square kilometers, the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary may be small but effectively protects the wildlife within it. Despite its limited size, the sanctuary provides a safe and undisturbed environment for its resident animals.

Palamau Tiger Reserve

• The Palamau Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich flora, including trees like Mahua, Sal, Palas, and Bamboo. The reserve features several small hills such as Murhu, Huluk, Netarhat, and Gulgul. 
• It also boasts stunning waterfalls, including Mirchaia Fall near Garu and SugaBandh Waterfalls, which add to its natural allure.