AhmedSturgis: small improved details per sources and fixed typos for clarity

2026-02-25T03:52:48Z

small improved details per sources and fixed typos for clarity

imported>BhagyaMani: Reverted 1 edit by 182.66.53.90 (talk) to last revision by JPxG

2021-08-26T15:19:33Z

Reverted 1 edit by 182.66.53.90 (talk) to last revision by JPxG

New page

{{Short description|National park and wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Valmiki National Park
| iucn_category = II
| photo = Valmiki National Park.jpg
| photo_caption = Photo featuring the [[Bengal tiger]], [[Indian rhinoceros]] and [[Indian elephant]]
| location = [[West Champaran District]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| nearest_city =[[Bettiah]]
| map = India Bihar
| coordinates = {{coord|27|19|54|N|84|9|45|E|display=inline, title}}
| area_km2 = 898.45
| established = 1978
|alt_name=Valmiki National Park, Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
|website=https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/
|governing_body=[[Government of Bihar]]}}

'''Valmiki National Park''' is a [[Tiger Reserve]] in the [[West Champaran District ]] of [[Bihar]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/how-this-bihar-sanctuary-tripled-tiger-numbers-in-10-yrs/articleshow/64714065.cms |title=How this Bihar sanctuary tripled tiger numbers in 10 yrs}}</ref> It is the only national park in Bihar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/bihar/plan-for-eco-city-near-tiger-reserve-239758|title=Plan for eco city near tiger reserve}}</ref> Valmiki Tiger Reserve covers {{cvt|898.45|km2}}, which is 17.4% of the total geographical area of the district. As of 2018, there were 40 tigers in the Reserve.<ref name="bp">{{cite web|title=Bihar developing India's biggest grassland for Tigers |url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/bihar-developing-indias-biggest-grassland-for-tigers/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=16 April 2014}}</ref>

== History ==
The extensive forest area of Valmikinagar (formally known as '''Bhainsa Lotan''')<ref>{{cite web|title=Places of Tourist and Historic Interest|url=https://westchamparan.nic.in/tourism/}}</ref> was previously owned by the [[Bettiah Raj]] and Ramanagar Raj until the early 1950s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} Valmiki Tiger Reserve|url=https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/conservation-history.php|access-date=2021-05-30|website=www.valmikitigerreserve.com}}</ref> It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978. Valmiki National Park was established in the year 1990. Total area of the park is about 335.65 Km2. Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is the 18<sup>th</sup> [[Tiger reserves of India|Tiger Reserve of the country]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} Valmiki Tiger Reserve|url=https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/conservation-history.php|access-date=2021-05-30|website=www.valmikitigerreserve.com}}</ref> The Valmiki Tiger Reserve comprises the National Park and the Wildlife Sanctuary.

== Location ==
It is located in [[West Champaran district|West Champaran]] which derives its name from two words, Champa and Aranya, meaning forest of Champa trees. Geographically, it is situated between 83°0 50′ and 84°0 10′ E longitude and between 27°0 10′ and 27°0 03′ N latitude. Total forest area comprises about {{convert|900|km2}}, out of which the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary is {{convert|880|km2}} and spread of the National Park is about {{convert|335|km2}} area. In the north, the protected areas are bordered by Nepal's [[Chitwan National Park]] while the Indian state [[Uttar Pradesh]] bounds the sanctuary from western side. Bihar Government is turning 800 hectares of forest in VTR into Grassland making it India's biggest grassland.<ref name="bp" />

==Landscape==
[[File:Himalayan Foot Hills, Valmikinagar, Bihar, India.jpg|thumb|Himalayan Foot Hills of Valmikinagar, Bihar]]
[[File:Valmikinagar Hydel Project, Bihar.jpg|thumb|Valmikinagar Hydel Project, [[Bihar]]]]
[[File:The Gandak River from Indian side.jpg|thumb|[[Gandaki River|Gandak River]], Valmikinagar, [[Bihar]]]]
The landscape of VTR encompasses foothills ranges of [[Sivalik Hills|Himalayan Sivaliks]] with mosaic of the [[cliffs]], [[ridges]], gorges,<ref>https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/gorge/</ref> [[hills]], [[streams]] and [[valleys]]; dense forests, open woodlands, grasslands, swamps and riverine fringe. Situated in [[Gangetic plains]] bio-geographic zone of the Country, the forest has combination of [[bhabar]] and terai tracts. Boulder and pebble deposits by the Himalayan rivers in foothills characterized the Bhabar tract while the finer sediments deposits feature Terai lands.

===Foothills of Himalayan Terai outliers - a continuation of Shivaliks===
[[Someshwar Hill]] Range and Dun Hill system with knife-edge ridges and precipitous slopes, cliffs, spurs, gorges, narrow valleys.

===Bhabar - Dun tract===
Older [[alluvium]] with sandy soil with variegated clay and loose boulder deposits and [[Artesian aquifer|artesian]] flows; [[lateritic]] formations on higher [[Contour line|contours]] and newer Alluvium on southern parts with reissuing springs akin to artesian flows.

===Flood plains of Gandak and Burhi Gandak and their tributaries===
Criss-crossing and meandering rivers, streams and rivulets, man-made canals; Swamps and Grasslands. [[River Gandak]] forms the western boundary of Valmiki wildlife sanctuary. It enters in India at Valmikinagar(formally known as '''BHAINSA LOTAN'''), where two rivulets Sonha and Pachnad joins it, forming a holy confluence ‘Triveni’. The river is called ‘Narayani’ in Nepal. Harha – Masan River system originates from the Valmiki Forests and forms [[Burhi Gandak River]] down south. River Pandai flows into Bihar (India) from Nepal in the eastern end of the Sanctuary and meets Masan. All these rivers with their precursor and tributaries namely Rohua, Kotrahia, Manor, Bhapsa, Koshil, Singha, Dhonghi, Ganguli, Dhoram are full of youth and verve. Their cascades in wanton and wayward playfulness while descending from hills ridges and gorges are enchanting. Meeting the planes they slowly mature to serene grandeur.

==Fauna==
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 300
| header_background = #DAF7A6
| header = Fauna of Valmiki National Park
| footer_background = #DAF7A6
| image8 = Sambar_Deer_male._Cervus_unicolor.jpg
| caption8 = [[Sambar deer|Sambar]]
| image7 = Spotted Deer (74876731).jpeg
| caption7 = [[Spotted Deer]]
| image6 = Grass bocke.jpg
| caption6 = [[Indian Elephant]]
| image5 = The Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is a rare subspecies of the Asiatic black bear. 01.jpg
| caption5 = [[Asian black bear]]
| image4 = Indian Bison (Gaur) by N. A. Naseer.jpg
| caption4 = [[Indian gaur]]
| image3 = Indian Leopard Bhadra.jpg
| caption3 = [[Indian Leopard]]
| image2 = One-horned Rhinoceros at Chitwan National Park.jpg
| caption2 = [[Indian rhinoceros]]
| image1 = Tigerwater edit2.jpg
| caption1 = [[Bengal tiger]]
}}

===Mammals===
The wildlife found in the forest of VTR are the [[Bengal tiger]],<ref name="Jhalaetal2008">{{citation |title=Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India |editor1=[[Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala|Jhala]], Y. V. |editor2=Gopal, R. |editor3=Qureshi, Q. |publisher=National Tiger Conservation Authority, Govt. of India, New Delhi; Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun |year=2008 |series=TR 08/001 |url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/status_of_tigers_in_india_2008.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602124630/http://projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/status_of_tigers_in_india_2008.pdf |archive-date=2 June 2013 |df=dmy}}</ref><ref name="Jhaletal2011">[[Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala|Jhala]], Y. V., Qureshi, Q., Sinha, P. R. (Eds.) (2011). [https://web.archive.org/web/20120120232451/http://www.projecttiger.nic.in/whtsnew/Tiger_Status_oct_2010.pdf ''Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India, 2010.''] National Tiger Conservation Authority, Govt. of India, New Delhi, and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. TR 2011/003 pp-302</ref> [[Indian rhinoceros]], [[Asiatic black bear]], Indian [[sloth bear]],<ref name="Garshelis_al2011">{{cite web |author1=Garshelis, David L. |author2=Joshi, Anup R. |author3=Smith, James L. D. |author4=Rice, Clifford G. |name-list-style=amp |title=Sloth Bear Conservation Action Plan |url=http://wildlife1.wildlifeinformation.org/000ADOBES/Bears/Bears_IUCN_ActionPlan/bearsAP_chapter12.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723235317/http://wildlife1.wildlifeinformation.org/000ADOBES/Bears/Bears_IUCN_ActionPlan/bearsAP_chapter12.pdf |archive-date=23 July 2011 |access-date=2011-04-18 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[otter]], [[Indian leopard]], [[wild dog]], [[wild water buffalo]], and [[wild boar]]. There are several species of deer, including [[barking deer]], [[spotted deer]], [[hog deer]], [[Sambar deer|Sambar]], [[blue bull]]. Apart from that the [[striped hyena]], [[leopard cat]], [[fishing cat]], [[langur]], [[monkey]], [[flying squirrel]], [[clouded leopard]], [[Indian gaur]], [[mongoose]] can also be sighted. The tiger's population in the Reserve was 10 in 2010, which increased to 22 in 2013 and then 40 in 2018.<ref name="bp" />

There is site in Madanpur forest block on the main road from Madanpur to Valmikinagar where large number of Indian [[flying fox]], a type of [[bat]] can be sighted any time.

===Reptiles===
The reptiles which are commonly found in VTR are [[pythons]], [[King cobra]]s, [[Krait]], [[Banded krait]]s and domuha snakes ([[sand boa]]s). Among aquatic reptiles, [[gharial]], [[monitor lizard]], etc. are found in VTR. Plenty of [[crocodiles]] are found near Belahwa Village which is adjacant to the VTR. [[Gharials]] are found in River Gandak, as would be the case with a river that connects to the [[Ganges]].<ref name="Jhalaetal2008"/><ref name="Jhaletal2011"/>

===Birds===
At present 241 [[bird]] species have been reported from VTR. Some of the interesting birds of VTR are Nepal [[kalij pheasant]], [[Quail|three-toed quail]], [[paradise flycatcher]], [[grey shrike]], [[Warbler|green willow warbler]], [[tree pipit]], [[White-eyed warbler|white eye warbler]], [[green barbet]], [[wader]]s, [[ibises]], [[storks]], [[pitta]], [[plovers]], [[snipe]]s, [[Oriental pied hornbill|pied hornbill]], [[White-eared night heron]], [[emerald dove]]. There are five types of [[green pigeon]]s and [[Common wood pigeon|purple wood pigeon]] found in VTR. In the night several [[owl]]s, [[Spotted owlet|owlets]], [[nightjars]], etc. can be easily sighted.

===Butterflies===
The jungle of VTR abounds in various kinds of [[moth]], caterpillars and butterflies. Some common butterflies like common Mormon, great Mormon, glassy tiger, great eggfly, club beak, grey pansy, lime butterfly, common crow can easily be sighted.

==Flora==
[[File:A lake in Darua Bari near Valmiki Tiger Researve.jpg|thumb|A lake in Darua Bari, Valmiki Tiger Reserve]]
[[File:Madanpur Jungle Bagaha, Champaran.jpg|thumb|Jungle]]
As per Champion and Seth classification, there are seven forest types found in VTR, which makes VTR a special destination for nature lovers.
* Bhabar – Dun Sal Forest
* Dry Siwalik Sal Forest
* West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
* Khair – Sissoo Forest
* Cane Brakes
* Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland
* ''[[Barringtonia]]'' Swamp Forest

Due to diverse topographical and edaphic factors, the reserve harbors varied vegetation types. The Botanical Survey of India has categorized seven vegetation types within the limits of the sanctuary and the national park:
* Moist mixed deciduous
* Open – land vegetation
* Sub-mountainous semi-evergreen formation
* Freshwater swamps
* Riparian fringes
* Alluvial grasslands and high hill savannah
* Wetlands

The important tree species found in valley area of VTR are Sal ''([[Shorea robusta]])'', Karam ''(Adina cardifolia),'' Asan ''([[Terminalia tomentosa]])'', Bahera ''(Terminalia balerica)'', Asidh ''(Lagestromia parviflora)'', Simal ''(Salmelia malaberica)'', Satsal ''(Dalbergia latifolia)'', etc.

In hilly regions apart from Sal, Piyar ''([[Buchanania lanzan]])'', Mandar ''([[Dillenia|Dillenia aurea]])'', Banjan ''([[Anogeissus latifolia]])'', Bhelwa ''([[Semecarpus anacardium]])'', Harra ''([[Terminalia chebula]])'', Bodera ''(Eugenia operculata)'', etc. tree species are found. There is a special attraction of cane brakes which is mainly found in Madanpur Forest block and it is good habitat for Tiger. Cane occurs in damp areas along all most all the nalas of Madanpur Range. In Hindi cane is known as BETTH and the name Bettiah (District Headquarters of West Champaran District) is derived from this BETTH.

There is a small isolated patch of Chir Pine ''([[Pinus roxburghii]])'' forest locally known as DHUP found in Raghia Forest block. Generally Chir Pine forest occurs at the altitude of 4000 ft. to 5000 ft. but here it is found between the altitudes of 1000 ft. to 1700 ft. which is unique.

The grasses found in VTR are munj ''([[Saccharum munja]])'', Kans ''([[Saccharum spontaneum]])'', Elephant grass ''([[Typha elephantina]])'', Narkat ''([[Phragmites|Phragmites karka]])'', ''[[Chrysopogon zizanioides|Vitiveria zizanioides]]'', ''[[Imperata cylindrica]]'', Choranth ''([[Heteropogon contortus]])'', Sabai ''([[Eulaliopsis binata]])'', etc.Climber are also very common in VTR. The common species being Mahulan ''([[Bauhinia vahlii]])'' Mahai ''(Butea parviflora)'', Panilat ''(Vitis repanda)'', Ramdatwan ''(Smilax parviflora)'', and Arar ''(Acacia pinnate)''.

There are several medicinal plants found in VTR. Some of them are Satawar ''([[Asparagus racemosus]])'', Safed [[Musli (plant)|Musli]], Dudhkoraiya ''(Holarrahena''

''antidysenterica)'', Amla ''([[Phyllanthus emblica|Emblica officinalis]])'', Piper ''([[Piper longum]])'', etc.

==Cultural diversity==
{{multiple image
| perrow = 2
| image7 =
| caption1 = A Women from [[Tharu people|Tharu tribe]]
| header_background = #F68A06
| header = Cultural diversity
| footer =
| footer_align = center
| footer_background = #ED9D0B
| image8 =
| image5 =
| image4 =
| image6 =
| total_width = 300
| image3 =
| image2 = Bagya .jpg
| image1 = Tharu Mahila.jpg
| width =
| background color =
| align =
| caption2 = [[Bagya]] - rice flour dumplings made [[Tharu people]]
}}

The Valmiki landscape harbors vivid socio-cultural diversity. ‘[[Tharu people|Tharu]]’, a [[scheduled tribe]], is the dominant community in the landscape. There are several theories on colonization of this community in the Himalayan terai.Their prime occupation is agriculture and staple food is rice. They are non-vegetarian and like chicken, pork, snails and fish and gents relish liquor locally prepared from jaggary. The primary language is [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] . [[Rama Navami]] is their main festival. They also maintain socio-cultural relationship with the Tharus of Nepal. Their population is around 2.5 lakh.

The scheduled tribes other than Tharu in the Valmiki landscape are collectively called Dhangar – which means retained labourer in Oraon dialect. Dhangar comprises four tribes: [[Oraon]], [[Munda people|Munda]], [[Lohra]] and [[Bhuiya]]. The ‘Dhangars’ were brought to area as agriculture laborer from the [[Chhotanagpur|Chhotanagpur Hills]]. Each Dhangar tribe has its own [[dialect]] and they observe their traditional festivals. Currently their population is around 0.5 lakh.

Communities other than the tribes are called 'Baaji'. They are outsiders and involved in agriculture as well as small business in the villages.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/05/07/stories/2007050750040200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104093704/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/05/07/stories/2007050750040200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-11-04 |title=Valmiki National Park |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=2007-05-07 |access-date=2009-06-13}}</ref> It serves as the only [[List of tiger reserves in India|Indian tiger reserve]] in the state of [[Bihar]].

==See also==
* [[Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://valmikitigerreserve.com}}

{{Protected areas of Bihar}}
{{National Parks of India}}
{{Tiger Reserves Of India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Tiger reserves of India]]
[[Category:National parks in Bihar]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Bihar]]
[[Category:Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests]]
[[Category:Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests]]
[[Category:West Champaran district]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in Bihar]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1976]]

Valmiki National Park - Revision history

AhmedSturgis: small improved details per sources and fixed typos for clarity

imported>BhagyaMani: Reverted 1 edit by 182.66.53.90 (talk) to last revision by JPxG