Wildlife of Bihar

The world’s first tiger census had been carried out at Palamau in 1932. Today, Bihar boasts of 2 national parks and 21 sanctuaries. These include the country’s only hideout for wolves, a sanctuary for dolphins, a crocodile centre, a welcome jheel, or lake, that is home to an infinite variety of birds migrating from Central Asia.

Rajgir wildlife sanctuary

In the heart of Bihar lies the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary (36sq km), bordered by a stretch of small historic hills associated with Jain and Buddhist history. A typical monsoon climate prevails over this region full of tropical dry deciduous forests. The sanctuary is rich in leopards, hyenas, barking deer and nilgais. The neighbouring Gautam Buddha Sanctuary (259sq km) in Gaya has similar climes. Further south, en route to Hazaribagh is the Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary (177sq km) situated on the Patna-Ranchi highway. Besides its rich wildlife, the place is famous for its scenic beauty. The most popular one amongst these is the Fhwajadhari Hillock.

Palamau Tiger Reserve

The Reserve is spread over an area of 1026sq km in the Chotanagpur Plateau. The dense and dry deciduous forest of Palamau is replete with the finest bamboo groves, sal, mahua, bel and khair trees. The sixteenth century fort alongside the Auranga River adds a touch of history to this forest. The other rivers that drain Palamau are the Koel and Burha that eventually empty themselves into the famous Sone River.

Valmikinagar wildlife sanctuary

The Valmiki National Park (335sq km) has been created amidst 544sq km of the Valmiki Sanctuary in the West Champaran district of Bihar, bordering Nepal. The magnificent Himalayas provide a backdrop to the sanctuary. Adjacent to the sanctuary, in the forests of Nepal, is the historic Valmiki Ashram in the Chitwan National Park of Nepal. The One-horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar. The forest here is a mix of extensive Savannah lands and swamp forests. The forest in the sanctuary is rich in Bhabar-Dun sal, dry Siwalik sal, khair, cane etc. Tigers dominate the wildlife landscape while other attractions include chitals, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, Jungle cats, Hog deer and wild dogs. As far as the density of the tiger population is concerned, Valmikinagar ranks fourth in the state.

Bhimbandh Sanctuary

Close to Bhagalpur, the Bhimbandh Sanctuary (682sq km) is yet another home to a variety of wildlife. Besides tigers, panthers, wild boars, sambars, chitals and nilgais, the forests here are famous for hot water springs said to contain traces of radioactive matter.