Valmiki National Park: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|National park and wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, India}}
{{Short description|National park in Bihar, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Valmiki National Park
| name = Valmiki National Park
| iucn_category = II
| iucn_category = II
| photo = Valmiki National Park.jpg
| image =  
| photo_caption = Photo featuring the [[Bengal tiger]], [[Indian rhinoceros]] and [[Indian elephant]]
| image_caption =  
| location = [[West Champaran District]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| location = [[West Champaran District]], [[Bihar]], [[India]]
| nearest_city =[[Bettiah]]  
| nearest_city = [[Bettiah]]
| map = India Bihar
| map = India Bihar#India
| relief = 1
| mapframe = Yes
| coordinates = {{coord|27|19|54|N|84|9|45|E|display=inline, title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|27|19|54|N|84|9|45|E|display=inline, title}}
| area_km2 = 898.45
| area_km2 = 898.45
| established = 1978
| established = 1978
|alt_name=Valmiki National Park, Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
| alt_name = Valmiki Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
|website=https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/
| website = https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/
|governing_body=[[Government of Bihar]]}}
| 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>
'''Valmiki National Park''' is a [[national park]] and [[tiger reserve]] in the [[West Champaran District]] of [[Bihar]], [[India]] covering {{cvt|898.45|km2}}. It is the only [[List of national parks of India|national park]] in Bihar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Priya |date=15 December 2024 |title=Want to see untamed wilderness and tigers? Visit Valmiki National Park in Bihar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/want-to-see-untamed-wilderness-and-tigers-visit-valmiki-national-park-in-bihar/articleshow/116330421.cms |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>


== History ==
== 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.
The extensive forest area of Valmikinagar was owned by the [[Bettiah Raj]] and Ramanagar Raj until the early 1950s.<ref name="valmikitigerreserve.com">{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} Valmiki Tiger Reserve |work=Valmiki Tiger Reserve |url=https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/conservation-history.php |access-date=2021-05-30 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004215/https://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/conservation-history.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978. Valmiki National Park was established in 1990. Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is the 18th [[Tiger reserves of India|Tiger Reserve of the country]].<ref name="valmikitigerreserve.com"/>
 
== 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==
== Geography==
[[File:Himalayan Foot Hills, Valmikinagar, Bihar, India.jpg|thumb|Himalayan Foot Hills of Valmikinagar, Bihar]]
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2023}}
[[File:Valmikinagar Hydel Project, Bihar.jpg|thumb|Valmikinagar Hydel Project, [[Bihar]]]]
Valmiki National Park is located in [[West Champaran district]]. In the north, it is bordered by Nepal's [[Chitwan National Park]] and in the west by [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Its total forest area comprises about {{cvt|900|km2}}, out of which the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary is {{cvt|880|km2}} and spread of the National Park is about {{cvt|335|km2}} area.{{cn|date=January 2025}}
[[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===
[[File:Himalayan Foot Hills, Valmikinagar, Bihar, India.jpg|thumb|Himalayan foothills of Valmikinagar, Bihar]]
[[Someshwar Hill]] Range and Dun Hill system with knife-edge ridges and precipitous slopes, cliffs, spurs, gorges, narrow valleys.
The landscape of Valmiki National Park encompasses foothills of the [[Sivalik Hills]] with a mosaic of the [[cliffs]], [[ridges]] and gorges, [[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.


===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.
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 are featured on these lands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Landscape & Biodirversity – Valmiki Tiger Reserve |url=https://valmikitigerreserve.com/?page_id=2060 |access-date=2023-09-18}}</ref> [[River Gandak]] forms the western boundary of Valmiki wildlife sanctuary. It enters in India at Valmikinagar, where two rivulets Sonha and Pachnad joins it, forming a holy confluence ‘Triveni’. Harha – Masan River system originates from the Valmiki Forests and forms [[Burhi Gandak River]] further south. River Pandai flows into Bihar from Nepal in the eastern end of the Sanctuary and meets Masan.
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]],<!-- https://youtu.be/E7uQvcbQ7Y8 --> [[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==
==Flora==
[[File:A lake in Darua Bari near Valmiki Tiger Researve.jpg|thumb|A lake in Darua Bari, Valmiki Tiger Reserve]]
[[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]]
[[File:Madanpur Jungle Bagaha, Champaran.jpg|thumb|Jungle in Valmiki National Park]]
As per Champion and Seth classification, there are seven forest types found in VTR, which makes VTR a special destination for nature lovers.
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2024}}
As per Champion and Seth classification, there are seven forest types:
* Bhabar – Dun Sal Forest
* Bhabar – Dun Sal Forest
* Dry Siwalik Sal Forest
* Dry Siwalik Sal Forest
* West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
* West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
* Khair – Sissoo Forest
* Khair – [[Dalbergia sissoo|Sissoo]] Forest
* Cane Brakes
* Cane Brakes
* Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland
* Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland
* ''[[Barringtonia]]'' Swamp Forest
* ''[[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:
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 national park:
* Moist mixed deciduous
* Moist mixed deciduous
* Open – land vegetation
* Open – land vegetation
Line 100: Line 58:
* Wetlands
* 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.
The important tree species are sal ''([[Shorea robusta]])'', karam ''([[Adina cordifolia]])'', asan ''([[Terminalia tomentosa]])'', bahera ''([[Terminalia bellirica]])'', asidh ''([[Lagerstroemia parviflora]])'', simal ''([[Bombax ceiba]])'' and satsal ''([[Dalbergia latifolia]])''.
In hilly regions, piyar ''([[Buchanania lanzan]])'', mandar ''([[Dillenia aurea]])'', banjan ''([[Anogeissus latifolia]])'', bhelwa ''([[Semecarpus anacardium]])'', harra ''([[Terminalia chebula]])'', bodera ''(Eugenia operculata)'' occur. There is a special attraction of cane brakes in Madanpur Forest block.
There is a small isolated patch of chir pine ''([[Pinus roxburghii]])'' forest in Raghia Forest block at the elevation of {{cvt|1000|-|1700|ft|order=flip}}.
Grasses are represented by munj (''[[Tripidium bengalense]]''), kans ''([[Saccharum spontaneum]])'', elephant grass ''([[Typha elephantina]])'', narkat ''([[Phragmites karka]])'', ''[[Vitiveria zizanioides]]'', ''[[Imperata cylindrica]]'', choranth ''([[Heteropogon contortus]])'', sabai ''([[Eulaliopsis binata]])''. Common climbers are mahulan ''([[Phanera vahlii]])'', mahai ''([[Butea parviflora]])'', panilat ''([[Vitis repanda]])'', ramdatwan ''([[Smilax parviflora]])'' and arar ''([[Acacia pinnate]])''.
Medicinal plants include satawar ''([[Asparagus racemosus]])'', safed [[Musli (plant)|Musli]], dudhkoraiya (''[[Wrightia antidysenterica]]''), amla ''([[Phyllanthus emblica]])'' and piper ''([[Piper longum]])''.


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.
==Fauna==


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&nbsp;ft. to 5000&nbsp;ft. but here it is found between the altitudes of 1000&nbsp;ft. to 1700&nbsp;ft. which is unique.
===Mammals===
The wildlife in the forest of Valmiki National Park are the [[Bengal tiger]],<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]], [[Asian elephant]], [[Asiatic black bear]] and [[sloth bear]].<ref name=Garshelis_al2011>{{cite book |date=2011 |author1=Garshelis, D. L. |author2=Joshi, A. R. |author3=Smith, J. L. D. |author4=Rice, C. G. |name-list-style=amp |title=Sloth Bear Conservation Action Plan |publisher=IUCN |place=Gland |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>


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)''.
===Reptiles===
The reptiles in Valmiki National Park are [[pythons]], [[king cobra]], [[banded krait]] and [[sand boa]]. [[Gharial]]s occur in River Gandak.<ref name="Jhaletal2011"/>


There are several medicinal plants found in VTR. Some of them are Satawar ''([[Asparagus racemosus]])'', Safed [[Musli (plant)|Musli]], Dudhkoraiya ''(Holarrahena''
===Birds===
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2024}}
At present 241 [[bird]] species have been reported to be present in Valmiki National Park, including [[kalij pheasant]], [[quail]], [[paradise flycatcher]], [[grey shrike]], [[tree pipit]], [[green barbet]], [[wader]]s, [[ibis]]es, [[storks]], [[pitta]], [[plovers]], [[snipe]]s, [[Oriental pied hornbill]], [[white-eared night heron]], [[emerald dove]], several [[owl]]s, [[spotted owlet]] and [[nightjar]]s. There are five species of [[green pigeon]]s and [[common wood pigeon]].


''antidysenterica)'', Amla ''([[Phyllanthus emblica|Emblica officinalis]])'', Piper ''([[Piper longum]])'', etc.
===Butterflies===
 
The jungle of Valmiki National Park abounds in [[moth]]s, caterpillars and [[Butterfly|butterflies]], including the [[Papilio polytes|common Mormon]], [[Papilio memnon|great Mormon]], [[Parantica aglea|glassy tiger]], [[Hypolimnas bolina|great eggfly]], [[Libythea myrrha|club beak]], [[Junonia atlites|grey pansy]], [[Papilio demoleus|lime butterfly]] and [[Euploea core|common crow]].{{cn|date=June 2024}}
==Cultural diversity==
{{multiple image
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| 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 =  
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| 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==
==References==
Line 149: Line 83:


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


{{Protected areas of Bihar}}
{{Protected areas of Bihar}}
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[[Category:Tiger reserves of India]]
[[Category:Tiger reserves of India]]
[[Category:National parks in Bihar]]
[[Category:National parks in Bihar]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Bihar]]
[[Category:Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests]]
[[Category:Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests]]
[[Category:Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests]]
[[Category:Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests]]

Latest revision as of 09:22, 25 February 2026


Valmiki National Park
Valmiki Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
Map showing the location of Valmiki National Park
Map showing the location of Valmiki National Park
Map showing the location of Valmiki National Park
Map showing the location of Valmiki National Park
LocationWest Champaran District, Bihar, India
Nearest cityBettiah
Coordinates27°19′54″N 84°9′45″E / 27.33167°N 84.16250°E / 27.33167; 84.16250
Area898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi)
Established1978
Governing bodyGovernment of Bihar
Websitehttps://www.valmikitigerreserve.com/

Valmiki National Park is a national park and tiger reserve in the West Champaran District of Bihar, India covering 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi). It is the only national park in Bihar.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

The extensive forest area of Valmikinagar was owned by the Bettiah Raj and Ramanagar Raj until the early 1950s.[2] It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978. Valmiki National Park was established in 1990. Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is the 18th Tiger Reserve of the country.[2]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Valmiki National Park is located in West Champaran district. In the north, it is bordered by Nepal's Chitwan National Park and in the west by Uttar Pradesh. Its total forest area comprises about 900 km2 (350 sq mi), out of which the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary is 880 km2 (340 sq mi) and spread of the National Park is about 335 km2 (129 sq mi) area.[citation needed]

Himalayan foothills of Valmikinagar, Bihar

The landscape of Valmiki National Park encompasses foothills of the Sivalik Hills with a mosaic of the cliffs, ridges and gorges, 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.

Older alluvium with sandy soil with variegated clay and loose boulder deposits and artesian flows; lateritic formations on higher contours and newer Alluvium on southern parts with reissuing springs akin to artesian flows.

Criss-crossing and meandering rivers, streams and rivulets, man-made canals; swamps and grasslands are featured on these lands.[3] River Gandak forms the western boundary of Valmiki wildlife sanctuary. It enters in India at Valmikinagar, where two rivulets Sonha and Pachnad joins it, forming a holy confluence ‘Triveni’. Harha – Masan River system originates from the Valmiki Forests and forms Burhi Gandak River further south. River Pandai flows into Bihar from Nepal in the eastern end of the Sanctuary and meets Masan.

Flora[edit | edit source]

A lake in Darua Bari, Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Jungle in Valmiki National Park

As per Champion and Seth classification, there are seven forest types:

  • 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 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 are sal (Shorea robusta), karam (Adina cordifolia), asan (Terminalia tomentosa), bahera (Terminalia bellirica), asidh (Lagerstroemia parviflora), simal (Bombax ceiba) and satsal (Dalbergia latifolia). In hilly regions, piyar (Buchanania lanzan), mandar (Dillenia aurea), banjan (Anogeissus latifolia), bhelwa (Semecarpus anacardium), harra (Terminalia chebula), bodera (Eugenia operculata) occur. There is a special attraction of cane brakes in Madanpur Forest block. There is a small isolated patch of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest in Raghia Forest block at the elevation of 300–520 m (1,000–1,700 ft). Grasses are represented by munj (Tripidium bengalense), kans (Saccharum spontaneum), elephant grass (Typha elephantina), narkat (Phragmites karka), Vitiveria zizanioides, Imperata cylindrica, choranth (Heteropogon contortus), sabai (Eulaliopsis binata). Common climbers are mahulan (Phanera vahlii), mahai (Butea parviflora), panilat (Vitis repanda), ramdatwan (Smilax parviflora) and arar (Acacia pinnate). Medicinal plants include satawar (Asparagus racemosus), safed Musli, dudhkoraiya (Wrightia antidysenterica), amla (Phyllanthus emblica) and piper (Piper longum).

Fauna[edit | edit source]

Mammals[edit | edit source]

The wildlife in the forest of Valmiki National Park are the Bengal tiger,[4] Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Asiatic black bear and sloth bear.[5]

Reptiles[edit | edit source]

The reptiles in Valmiki National Park are pythons, king cobra, banded krait and sand boa. Gharials occur in River Gandak.[4]

Birds[edit | edit source]

At present 241 bird species have been reported to be present in Valmiki National Park, including kalij pheasant, quail, paradise flycatcher, grey shrike, tree pipit, green barbet, waders, ibises, storks, pitta, plovers, snipes, Oriental pied hornbill, white-eared night heron, emerald dove, several owls, spotted owlet and nightjars. There are five species of green pigeons and common wood pigeon.

Butterflies[edit | edit source]

The jungle of Valmiki National Park abounds in moths, caterpillars and butterflies, including the common Mormon, great Mormon, glassy tiger, great eggfly, club beak, grey pansy, lime butterfly and common crow.[citation needed]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Srivastava, Priya (15 December 2024). "Want to see untamed wilderness and tigers? Visit Valmiki National Park in Bihar". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "History | Valmiki Tiger Reserve". Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  3. ↑ "Landscape & Biodirversity – Valmiki Tiger Reserve". Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jhala, Y. V., Qureshi, Q., Sinha, P. R. (Eds.) (2011). 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
  5. ↑ Garshelis, D. L.; Joshi, A. R.; Smith, J. L. D. & Rice, C. G. (2011). Sloth Bear Conservation Action Plan (PDF). Gland: IUCN. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Protected areas of Bihar Template:National Parks of India Template:Tiger Reserves Of India

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