Chitals and sambars, often depicted as an ‘integral component of the Indian jungle scenery’, were once the largest group of animals in Bihar, and could be found almost everywhere. Today chitals are confined to sanctuaries at Palamau, Hazaribagh, Gaya, Champaran and Monghyr, while sambars are concentrated around Palamau, Hazaribagh, Monghyr, Koderma and Parasnath. The Birsa Mrig Vihar at Kalamati (23km from Ranchi) is a breeding farm for these two species of deer that have multiplied considerably in the past six years. April-May is the best time to look out for chitals with well-developed antlers. Moreover, it is around this time of the year that they move in groups.
The smaller species like Hog deer once overran the Gangetic valley. They do not have beautiful white spots like the chitals and are rarely seen in herds. Chasing the hog deer was a popular sport among the indigo planters during the British Raj. Reclaiming grassy land for agriculture contributed to the factors that nearly led to the extinction of this deer. The Valmikinagar Sanctuary in Champaran is the only place in Bihar where one can locate the hog deer today. Unlike the hog deer, the barking deer is widely found in the sanctuaries of Dalma, Rajgir, Topchanchi, Lawalong, Udaipur, Koderma and Parasnath. The smallest in the deer family – the mouse deer (Indian Chevrotain) is not rare, although it is certainly too shy and retiring to be easily spotted. Its brown coat helps the tiny creature camouflage itself. However, you could try your luck at the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Tiger Attraction
Tigers in Bihar were once on the brink of extinction. However, the persistent and concerted efforts of Project Tiger saved the situation. The number of tigers at the Betla National Park was as dismal as 22 in 1974. By 1984 it had multiplied to 62. Once again it has dropped to 50. officials however believe that tigers often migrate to neighbouring states. Tigers are found in almost all the sanctuaries in Bihar, but their largest concentrations are at the Palamau Tiger Rerserve and the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary in Champaran.
Despite its sleek coat and extraordinary hunting prowess, the panther still seems to be shadowed by the image of the tiger and the lion. However, most wildlife enthusiasts feel that this graceful animal certainly outsmarts the tiger, and at times appears fiercer than the lion. Panthers can be seen at the Hazaribagh, Valmiki, Bimbandh, Topchanchi and Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuaries.
The Wolves
Wolves do not rate too high on the wildlife popularity chart, though at one time, hunting wolves was at par with hunting lions and tigers, especially with royalty. Wolves love to live and hunt in packs and the group is led by a dominant pair. Despite the animal’s ability to adapt to the changing environment, its number has greatly diminished. Thanks to the efforts made by the Mahuadhar Wolf Sanctuary(63sq km, close to the Palamau Tiger Reserve), the number of wolves in and around Hazaribagh, Gaya and Palamau has risen.
Great Indian Elephant
Elephants, the largest living land mammals are confined to the Palamau and Singhbum districts in Bihar. It was believed that there were no elephants in Bihar till the end of the nineteenth century, and that they suddenly appeared around 1920. However, medieval history is replete with references to elephants from Bihar. The Mughals loved to acquire elephants from this region. In the Makhzan-i-Afghani there is a precise reference to a white elephant, Shyam Chandra owned by the tribal king of Palamau. The elephant had a peculiar habit of not throwing dust upon his head. The Afghans reckoned this to be a symbol of power that could help pave their way to the throne of Delhi. Thus, Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan invader, forced the king to surrender along with his elephant.
Dalma Sanctuary
Close to Jamshedpur, the Dalma Sanctuary (193sq km) is the best elephant habitat in Bihar. The pachyderms love to spend their summer here. Unlike Palamau that usually reels under a scorching sun, it continues to be pleasant at Dalma with temperatures mostly under 300C. Elephants migrate to this sanctuary because of the availability of water during summer. The next best choice for getting the closest possible view of elephants is the Betla National Park, and the most appropriate time for doing this would be Feb-March.
One of the boldest and biggest denizens of the jungle, gaurs prefer to remain close to elephants as they love to share the clumps pulled down by the tall tuskers. Gaurs usually move in herds except for the monsoon when they disperse and often fall prey to tigers.
The black buck, one of the fastest animals, also known for its beautiful corkscrew horns, has not been as lucky as the chital while adapting to the changing environment. Today black bucks have survived only in Bhojpur and are confined to the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wild dogs, often held responsible for the depredation of wildlife, are confined to Hazaribagh and Palamau sanctuaries. It is said that once a pack of wild dogs enters a forest, all wild animals, including tigers, leave it. The dogs consume sambar fawns, chitals and almost all herbivores in sight. In fact, wild dogs are despised even by hunters who hold them responsible for scaring game away.
Muggers and gharials are the two species of crocodiles found in Bihar. With the receding water levels of the Kosi River, the number of gharials (gavial) has greatly diminished. However, going by earlier reports from the village, numerous gharials cruise along with the floodwater and arrive at Madhepura town. Though gharials are found in the Ganges and the Gandak River, they mainly abound on the banks of the Kosi. Muggers (marsh crocodiles) have a wider distribution, as they inhabit stagnant water like jheels, reservoirs and rivers with slow currents. People at bathing ghats are always wary of these animals. The Karmanasa River in Rohtas, the Mohana River in Hazaribagh and the Bhera River near Ranchi are said to be infested with muggers. The Mutta Mugger Breeding Centre near Ranchi took off with three muggers from Bihar and two from Madras. Today the count has touched nearly fifty!
Dolphins
Dolphins were once popular in the Ganges, though they are rare today. The 50km stretch of the Ganges from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon has been declared the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary. Zoologists from Patna University claim to have sighted about 40 dolphins in the sanctuary.
