Recently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) officially announced an increase in the tiger population in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). There has been a significant surge, rising from 31 tigers in 2018 to 54 by 2023. Prompted by this success, the Bihar government is awaiting NTCA approval to declare Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s second tiger reserve after VTR.
Reason for the Increase in Tigers at VTR
The increase in the number of tigers in the VTR can be largely attributed to the ban on sand and stone mining inside the reserve, and the stringent restrictions on mining in its eco-sensitive zones. These measures have enhanced grassland cover which supports the prey population and thus indirectly boosts the survival chances of carnivores, including tigers. The reserve also promotes community awareness about the importance of tigers and monitors mining activities in and around the reserve to prevent human-wildlife conflict. This proactive approach to conservation led the NTCA to place the VTR in the prestigious ‘Very Good’ category.
Notable Information about the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR)
Located in Bihar’s West Champaran district, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve shares its northern border with Nepal and its western border with Uttar Pradesh. It forms the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai forests within India and its unique positioning in the Gangetic plains bio-geographic region lends it a unique vegetative profile that combines elements of both Bhabar and Terai regions. According to the Forest Survey of India Report 2021, the VTR boasts a remarkably high forest cover, with forests occupying 85.71% of the total area. A plethora of wild mammal species inhabit these forests, including tigers, sloth bears, leopards, wild dogs, bisons and wild boars. Rivers such as Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan and Bhapsa can be found flowing through the area.
Understanding the Role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
The NTCA functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change as a statutory body created in 2005 after recommendations from the Tiger Task Force. Enabled by provisions in the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, and further amendments in 2006, the NTCA is dedicated to strengthening tiger conservation efforts. Its objectives include providing statutory authority to Project Tiger, facilitating center-state cooperation in managing Tiger Reserves, ensuring oversight by Parliament, and addressing the livelihood interests of local communities in areas close to Tiger Reserves.
Relevant Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Examination
Here are some sample questions related to the topic from previous UPSC Civil Services Examination papers for reference:
Q1: Consider the following protected areas: Bandipur, Bhitarkanika, Manas, Sunderbans. Which of these have been declared Tiger Reserves? The correct answer is options 1, 3 and 4 only.
Q2: From an ecological perspective, which area serves as important link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? The correct answer is the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
