Increased Tiger Numbers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Context

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) officially confirms a rise in the tiger population at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). The number of big cats (Tiger) has risen from 31 in 2018 to 54 in 2023.
• Bihar government awaits NTCA approval to declare Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s second tiger reserve following VTR.

Reasons for Tiger Population Increase

1. Total ban on sand and stone mining within VTR, strict restrictions on mining in its eco-sensitive zone resulted in increased grassland cover, supporting prey population and enhancing carnivores' survival chances.
2. VTR focuses on managing and sustaining the tiger population.
3. Initiatives include raising awareness among locals and monitoring mining activities to minimize human-wildlife conflict.
4. NTCA categorizes the reserve as ‘Very Good.’

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)

1. Unique Status: Only tiger reserve in Bihar which forms the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai forests in India.
2. Geographical Location: Located in Bihar’s West Champaran district. Shares borders with Nepal to the north and Uttar Pradesh to the west.
3. Bio-geographic Region: Positioned in the Gangetic plains bio-geographic region and exhibits a combination of Bhabar and Terai region vegetation.
4. Forest Cover: Forest Survey of India Report 2021 indicates 85.71% forest cover in VTR.
5. Wildlife Diversity: Diverse wild mammals, including tiger, sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, bison, wild boar, etc.
6. River Presence: Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa traverse various parts of the reserve.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

1. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
2. Established in 2005 based on recommendations from the Tiger Task Force.
3. Constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, amended in 2006, with the aim of strengthening tiger conservation.
4. Objectives:

• Provide statutory authority to Project Tiger, making compliance with its directives legally binding.
• Foster accountability between the Center and States in managing Tiger Reserves through MoUs within the federal structure.
• Enable Parliamentary oversight of tiger conservation efforts.
• Address livelihood interests of local communities around Tiger Reserves.

Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

1. ESZs are areas with significant environmental resources that demand special conservation attention. This includes landscapes, wildlife habitats, biodiversity-rich areas, and places of historical and natural importance.
2. ESZs encompass a region of approximately 10 km around the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
3. State governments are mandated to declare ESZs under the provisions of The Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.

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