Valmiki Tiger Reserve: Bihar's Kashmir, A Biodiversity Hotspot with 60+ Mammals, 300+ Birds

• Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), Bihar's only tiger reserve, is located on the Nepal border in West Champaran district, spanning 900 sq km.
• Known as the 'Kashmir of Bihar', VTR boasts over 60 mammal species, including tigers, hyenas, Indian gaurs, wolves, and leopards.
• It is home to over 300 bird species, featuring rare avians like Grey Heron, Osprey, and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.
• VTR harbors approximately 45 snake species, including highly venomous King Cobras, Spectacled Cobras, and Russell's Vipers.
• The Gandak River within VTR is India's second-largest conservation center for Fish-eating Crocodiles (gharials), with over 30 reptile species.