Jharkhand’s Key Protected Areas

Introduction 

Jharkhand, located in the eastern part of India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The state is home to several national parks, tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites, each contributing to the conservation of India’s diverse flora and fauna. This article provides an overview of these protected areas, highlighting their significance and the challenges they face.

National Parks in Jharkhand

Jharkhand has one prominent national park:

• Betla National Park: Located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, Betla National Park is situated in the Latehar and Palamu districts. It is known for its diverse vegetation, including sal and bamboo forests, and is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, and Indian giant squirrels. The North Koel River flows through the park, adding to its natural beauty.

Tiger Reserves in Jharkhand

Palamau Tiger Reserve

• Location and History: The Palamau Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Jharkhand and one of the nine original tiger reserves in India. It was established in 1974 as part of Project Tiger, a conservation initiative launched by the Government of India in 1973 to protect the tiger population.
• Geography and Fauna: The reserve forms part of Betla National Park and Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary. It spans an area of 1,129.93 square kilometers, with a core area of 414.93 square kilometers and a buffer area of 650 square kilometers. The reserve is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and gaurs, among other species.
• Challenges: The reserve faces challenges such as the presence of Naxalites and difficult terrain, which hinder effective surveillance and conservation efforts.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, each with unique biodiversity:

• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Dalma Hills, this sanctuary is an important elephant corridor. It provides a habitat for elephants and other species like barking deer and wild boar.
• Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated on the border of Bihar and Jharkhand, this sanctuary covers moist deciduous forests of the Lower Gangetic Plains and dry deciduous forests of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It was once a private hunting reserve and now protects species like leopards, elephants, and wild dogs.
• Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1955, this sanctuary is located about 89 km north of Ranchi. It is known for its low hilly terrain and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and sambars.
• Lawalong (Chatra) Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Chatra district, this sanctuary is surrounded by rivers and features Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests. It is contiguous with other sanctuaries along the Bihar-Jharkhand border.
• Mahuadanr Wolf Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated along the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border, this sanctuary is a breeding ground for the Indian wolf.
• Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1990, it is located near Gumla and features dry deciduous forests. The sanctuary is home to elephants, leopards, and other species.
• Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the Parasnath Hills of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, this sanctuary is adjacent to the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near the Parasnath Hills, it is part of the larger ecosystem of the region.
• Udhwa Lake Wildlife Bird Sanctuary: This is the only bird sanctuary in Jharkhand, located over the Ganga River, and is known for its waterfowl.

Ramsar Sites in Jharkhand

As of the latest information, Jharkhand does not have any designated Ramsar sites. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention. However, the state’s diverse wetland ecosystems, such as Udhwa Lake, contribute significantly to local biodiversity.

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