Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is a tiger reserve and national park located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India. It is the only national park in Bihar and the 18th tiger reserve in India. The reserve covers an area of 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi), which is 17.4% of the total geographical area of the district.
The reserve was established in 1978 as a wildlife sanctuary and was upgraded to a national park in 1990. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the border with Nepal. The terrain is undulating with a rich soil. Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve.
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, sloth bears, chital, sambar, and many other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is also an important bird area, with over 250 species of birds recorded.
The reserve is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of activities, including tiger safaris, elephant safaris, bird watching, and nature walks. It is also an important center for research and conservation of wildlife.
The reserve has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including poaching, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict. However, the reserve has made significant progress in conservation efforts and is now home to a healthy population of tigers and other wildlife.
Here are some of the key facts about Valmiki Tiger Reserve:
* Established in 1978
* Area: 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi)
* Location: West Champaran district, Bihar, India
* Altitude: 150-300 m (492-984 ft)
* Climate: Tropical monsoon
* Vegetation: Tropical moist deciduous forest
* Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, sloth bears, chital, sambar, over 250 species of birds
* Tourist attractions: Tiger safaris, elephant safaris, bird watching, nature walks
* Conservation challenges: Poaching, deforestation, human-wildlife conflict
* Conservation successes: Healthy population of tigers and other wildlife