🦬 INDIAN BISON IN JHARKHAND
Saving the Last Herds of Gaur in Palamu Tiger Reserve

🌿 A Struggle for Survival in the Heart of Jharkhand

The Indian Bison, also known as the Gaur (Bos gaurus), is facing a sharp population decline in Jharkhand, with the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) now serving as its last sanctuary. Once widespread across the state, these majestic creatures are now limited to just 50–70 individuals, prompting urgent conservation action by the Jharkhand Forest Department.

🔍 Key Facts About the Indian Bison

• 🌏 Range: South and Southeast Asia
• 🏞️ Preferred Habitat: Evergreen and moist deciduous forests with hilly terrain below 1,800 meters
• 💧 Requirements: Undisturbed forests and abundant water sources
• 👥 Social Structure: Lives in herds of 30–40 individuals
• 📏 Size: Among the tallest and largest of wild cattle

🛡️ Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I

📉 A Shrinking Population

• 1970s: ~150 Bison in PTR
• 2025: 50–70 remain
• ❌ Extinct in other regions of Jharkhand
• 📈 Survival of the species is essential to maintain ecological balance and support tiger populations

🚨 Threats to the Bison

• 🏹 Poaching: A major ongoing risk
• 🏡 Habitat Disturbance: Encroachment by humans and cattle
• 🐄 Disease Transmission:
  • 1.5 lakh domestic cattle share Bison habitat
  • Spread of foot-and-mouth disease, and other infections via common water sources
• 🍃 Competition for Food: Shrinking grazing lands

🔬 Conservation Measures in Motion

🧠 Scientific Study

PTR has launched a comprehensive study on Bison behaviour, habitat preferences, and vegetation needs.

🐯 Tiger Connection

The tiger count at PTR has risen from zero in 2018 to five in 2025. Bison are a key prey species, making their recovery vital for sustaining the predator population.

💉 Cattle Vaccination

Ongoing campaign to vaccinate 150,000 domestic cattle to stop disease transmission into Bison habitats 🌾

🚫 Anti-Poaching Infrastructure

• 32 anti-poaching centres with dedicated staff
• Enhanced patrols and community engagement showing positive results ✅

🏘️ Human-Wildlife Conflict Solutions

Plans are underway to relocate eight villages from the core areas of PTR. This initiative aims to reduce human interference and expand safe habitats for Bison, tigers, and other wildlife. 🏞️

🗺️ Geographical Snapshot: Palamu Tiger Reserve

• 📏 Area: 1,129.93 km²
  • Core: 414.08 km²
  • Buffer: 715.85 km²
• 📍 Location: Spans Palamu, Latehar, and Garhwa districts
• 🐅 Established: As one of India’s first 9 tiger reserves in 1974
• 🏞️ Sanctuary Since: 1960

🕰️ A Reserve with a Tumultuous Past

PTR has faced decades of challenges, including Naxal insurgency and environmental degradation, but today it stands as a beacon of hope for the Indian Bison. With multi-pronged conservation efforts underway, Jharkhand’s last herd may yet thrive again. 💚