Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: The rise in tiger numbers at Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is attributed to a reduction in human activities, particularly restrictions on illegal mining in the eco-sensitive zone.
- The ban on sand and stone mining inside VTR, along with strict limits in its eco-sensitive zone, led to increased grassland cover.
- Tiger numbers in VTR increased from 28 in 2014 to 54 in the current year, with 31 recorded in 2018.
Bihar is also pursuing the establishment of a second tiger reserve in Kaimur district.
