The central government has given in-principle approval for Bihar’s second tiger reserve, which will be established in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS). This decision follows a proposal from the Bihar government, aiming to expand tiger conservation efforts in the state. The sanctuary, which is nearly four times the size of Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), is expected to support a larger tiger population. Currently, VTR houses 54 tigers, but with KWLS becoming a tiger reserve, their numbers are expected to rise.
To ensure wildlife protection, KWLS will be designated as an eco-sensitive zone, restricting industrial activities within a 10 km radius. The core zone will cover 450 sq km with no human intervention, while the buffer zone, spanning 1,050 sq km, will include historical sites like Shergarh Fort and various villages.
A 300 km-long wildlife corridor connecting KWLS with tiger reserves in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand will facilitate safe tiger movement. Evidence of tiger presence in KWLS was first recorded in 2019, leading to focused conservation efforts. Additionally, tigers straying from VTR will be relocated to KWLS, reducing human-wildlife conflicts. This move is expected to boost tourism and wildlife conservation in Bihar.
