Patna, Aug 30 (IANS): After seeing the increasing number of tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) the Bihar government has initiated to develop second tiger reserve in Kaimur forests.

According to senior forest officers, VTR is spread across almost 900 sq km and is home to 31 tigers as per latest census. Apart from the tigers, the VTR is also a home to leopards, bears, deer, foxes, jackals, wild dogs and many other animals. VTR is nearing saturation point as the number of animals are constantly increasing.

The forest officers said that the first initiative to develop Kaimur into a second tiger reserve was made after several tigers and their pug marks were spotted in the area. The number of pug marks are being counted and then the proposal will be sent to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Forest Division Officer of Kaimur Vikas Ahlawat told IANS that the process to protect other animals in the area has been initiated and the forest is under surveillance.

He claimed that as the other animals started coming in the reserve, the tigers will also come.

A senior official of Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that Kaimur forest area is spread across double the area of VTR. Though the government is trying to increase the forest area of VTR but it is also working on other options. Kaimur forests are surrounded by three states - Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.