Valmiki national park?
VerifiedExplanation:
Valmiki National Park is indeed located in Bihar, making it one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in the state. This national park holds special importance as it is the only national park in Bihar and serves as a crucial habitat for diverse flora and fauna in the region.
The park is situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar, covering an area of approximately 899 square kilometers. It shares its borders with Nepal, making it an important transboundary conservation area. The park gets its name from the great sage Valmiki, who is believed to have written the epic Ramayana and spent considerable time in meditation in this very region.
Established in 1989, Valmiki National Park is part of the larger Valmiki Tiger Reserve, which was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1994. The park is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, making it an essential tiger habitat in eastern India. The dense forests and grasslands provide perfect conditions for these magnificent predators to thrive.
The park's ecosystem is incredibly diverse, featuring tropical mixed forests, grasslands, and riverine forests along the Gandak River. Besides tigers, the park houses various other wildlife species including leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, spotted deer, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. The Gandak River system that flows through the park supports a rich aquatic ecosystem as well.
From an ecological perspective, Valmiki National Park plays a crucial role in maintaining the environmental balance of the Indo-Gangetic plains. Its location along the India-Nepal border makes it significant for international wildlife conservation efforts. The park also serves as an important corridor for animal movement between India and Nepal, facilitating genetic diversity among wildlife populations.
