Jharkhand, the land of forests and minerals, is not only rich in natural resources but also renowned for its diverse wildlife and ecological zones. From tiger reserves and national parks to bird sanctuaries and biodiversity parks, the state houses an incredible range of protected areas vital for ecological balance, wildlife conservation, and sustainable tourism. This comprehensive guide offers a detailed overview of Jharkhand’s major wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, bird reserves, eco-tourism sites, and conservation centers, including Betla National Park, Palamu Tiger Reserve, Udhwa Bird Sanctuary, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, and Biodiversity Park in Ranchi. Designed for students, researchers, competitive exam aspirants (JPSC, JSSC, UPSC), and travelers, this resource-rich blog also highlights lesser-known eco-sites like Ichagarh Bird Sanctuary, Parasnath Sanctuary, and crocodile breeding centers, providing valuable factual data and geographical positioning across all 24 districts. Whether you’re preparing for government exams or exploring Jharkhand’s ecological marvels, this all-in-one post is your trusted reference for accurate, updated, and exam-relevant information.
Historical Background of Forest Management in Jharkhand
- The first formal effort in forest management in Jharkhand was made between 1882–85 by J.F. Habbitt.
- In 1909, the Bengal Government formed a Forest Committee to ensure forest protection.
- Before India’s independence, about 95% of forests in Jharkhand were privately owned, which were later nationalized.
- Since then, a continuous decline in forest cover has been observed:
- 1985–86: Forest cover was approx. 42%
- Present (as per ISFR 2021): Only 29.76%
Government Goal and Forest Cover
- Government of India’s target: Forest cover should be 33% of total area.
- Jharkhand still lags behind and needs intensified efforts for afforestation and forest conservation.
Major Steps Taken for Forest Management in Jharkhand
- Joint Forest Management Resolution (2001):
- More than 10,000 Forest Management Committees have been formed.
- These committees operate across 21,860 sq. km of forest area.
- Forest Development Agencies (FDAs):
- Established in all regional forest divisions for forest development and conservation.
- Faculty of Forestry, established under Birsa Agricultural University (Ranchi):
- Provides formal education and training in forestry for better forest governance.
- Afforestation Targets:
- Goal to plant trees in 3,424 sq. km area.
- Afforestation already started on over 9 lakh hectares of barren land.
- Focus on social and urban forestry to reduce rural dependence on forests.
- Mukhyamantri Jan Van Yojana:
- Promotes tree plantation on private land.
- More than 100 permanent nurseries have been technologically upgraded.
- SHGs and Gram Van Committees are provided free training and equipment for lac cultivation, boosting rural income.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Conducted to encourage love for nature and sensitivity towards wildlife.
- Eco-Tourism Policy (2015):
- Promotes eco-tourism using environment-friendly practices and community participation.
Financial and Technical Support
- In 2015–16, ₹6900 lakh was allocated for:
- Site-specific plantation schemes
- Soil conservation plans
- Plantation of fast-growing species
- Tasar and Sheesham plantations
- Under the Seed Orchards and Permanent Nurseries Program:
- Trees of 5 to 8 feet in height are being developed for bamboo gabion plantations.
- Digital Initiatives:
- Forest records and boundaries are being digitized.
- Urban Forestry Support:
- Jharkhand Parks (Jharkhand Parks Authority) established to manage city-based parks and promote greenery.
Nava Mahotsav and Mega Plantation Drive (2019)
- Conducted from 2 July to 2 August 2019.
- Total of 15,66,660 saplings planted along 24 rivers across 24 districts (140 km stretch).
- Maximum plantation:
- Jamshedpur and Ranchi Forest Divisions: 1,35,000 saplings each
- Dhanbad Division: 1,09,140 saplings
Forest Rights Act, 2006 & Rules, 2008
This Act provides land and habitat rights to forest-dwelling communities:
1. Definitions under the Act:
- Scheduled Tribes (STs): Those living and depending on forests prior to 13 December 2005.
- Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs): Must have lived and depended on forests for at least 3 generations (75 years before 2005).
2. Land Rights Eligibility:
- Right to residence and cultivation granted if:
- Forest land was under occupation before 13 Dec 2005.
- Land remained under use until 13 Dec 2007.
3. Definition of “Forest Village”:
- Villagers in pre-established forest villages are entitled to legal rights over land they occupy for agriculture or housing.
4. Power to Initiate Process:
- Gram Sabha empowered to begin recognition of forest rights.
- Gram Sabha also empowered to form Forest Protection Committees.
5. Two Main Roles of Gram Sabha:
- Initiate process to determine individual/community rights.
- Form Forest Protection Committees to conserve forest resources.
6. Key Clarifications:
- 85% of Jharkhand’s forests lie within 13,000 revenue villages.
- All villagers have collective rights over minor forest produce (MFP).
- Those not dependent on forests for livelihood or not residing in forest areas before the cut-off date are ineligible for land rights.
7. Protection Measures:
- No forest cases without approval of Forest Protection Committee.
- Reconciliation of forest offences also requires the committee’s recommendation.
CAMPA – Compensatory Afforestation in Jharkhand
- Jharkhand CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) was notified in October 2009.
- Originally formed by the Government of India in July 2004.
CAMPA Objectives:
- Conservation and regeneration of existing natural forests.
- Protection and management of wildlife habitats (inside and outside protected areas).
- Compensatory afforestation for diverted forest land.
- Delivery of ecological services.
- Promotion of research, training, and capacity building.
- Emphasis on sustainable forest management and environmental protection.
- CAMPA-linked projects are monitored via Google tools.
- As of now, 1,605 plantation projects are under CAMPA in Jharkhand.
Exam-Relevant Highlights (Must Remember)
- ⭐ First Forest Management Attempt: By J.F. Habbitt (1882–85)
- ⭐ Forest Cover Decline: From 42% (1985–86) to 29.76% (2021)
- ⭐ Joint Forest Management Resolution: 2001
- ⭐ Forest Rights Act: 2006, with Rules in 2008
- ⭐ Eco-Tourism Policy: Introduced in 2015
- ⭐ CAMPA Formation in Jharkhand: Notified in October 2009
Wildlife Conservation in Jharkhand – National Park, Sanctuaries & Biodiversity Zones
Jharkhand is a state rich in biodiversity and wildlife resources. To conserve and protect its flora and fauna, the state has established a network of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, and biological gardens, ensuring both in-situ and ex-situ conservation practices.
Key Wildlife Areas in Jharkhand
- 1 National Park
- 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Multiple Biological Gardens
- Spread across 2.63% of the state’s total geographical area, which accounts for 9% of its protected forest area
Elephant Reserve
- In 2001, the first Elephant Reserve of India was established in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand.
- Named as the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve
- Covers 13,440 sq. km., extending over:
- East Singhbhum
- West Singhbhum
- Seraikela-Kharsawan
Rajmahal Fossil Park (Fossil Sanctuary)
- Located in Sahibganj near Rajmahal Hills
- Developed by Nature Club
- Aims to preserve prehistoric plant and fossil records
Wildlife Management Efforts
- 10-year Wildlife Management Plan implemented by Jharkhand Government
- State Wildlife Board constituted
- Chief Minister of Jharkhand is the ex-officio Chairman
- 10-member board
National Park in Jharkhand
1. Betla National Park (⭐Only National Park in Jharkhand)
- Located in Latehar District
- Established on 10 September 1986
- Covers 226.32 sq. km.
- Hosted the world’s first tiger census in 1932
- Declared under Project Tiger (launched 1973–74)
- Home to Palamu Tiger Reserve – only Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand
Major Wildlife Species:
- Tiger, Leopard, Lion, Wild Boar, Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Chinkara, Nilgai, Bear, Monkey, Peacock, Jungle Fowl
- Full form of Betla:
- Bison, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Axis-axis
Palamu Tiger Reserve (⭐Only Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand)
- Established in November 1973
- Area: 1,130 sq. km.
- Rich in:
- 47 mammal species
- 174 bird species
- 970 plant species
- 25 creepers
- 46 shrub species
- 17 types of grasses
- 139 medicinal plants
- Houses 16 species listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Includes India’s only Tiger Corridor in Jharkhand:
- Guru Ghasidas–Palamu–Lawalong Corridor (Shared with Chhattisgarh)
- Site of India’s darkest sky observation, now being developed as astro-photography hub
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Jharkhand (⭐11 Total)
| S. No | Sanctuary Name | District | Area (sq. km.) | Year | Major Fauna |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Palamu Sanctuary ⭐ | Palamu | 752.94 | 1976 | Elephant, Sambar |
| 2. | Hazaribagh Sanctuary ⭐ | Hazaribagh | 186.25 | 1976 | Leopard, Deer, Sambar |
| 3. | Mahuadand Bhediya A. ⭐ | Latehar | 63.25 | 1976 | Wolf, Deer |
| 4. | Dalma Sanctuary | East Singhbhum | 193.22 | 1976 | Elephant, Leopard, Deer |
| 5. | Gautam Buddha Sanctuary ⭐ | Koderma | 121.14 | 1976 | Chital, Sambar, Nilgai |
| 6. | Topchanchi Sanctuary ⭐ | Dhanbad | 12.82 | 1978 | Presence of “Hari Pahadi” lake |
| 7. | Lawalong Sanctuary ⭐ | Chatra | 211.00 | 1978 | Leopard, Deer, Wild Bear |
| 8. | Parasnath Sanctuary | Giridih | 49.33 | — | Tiger, Leopard, Nilgai, Deer |
| 9. | Koderma Sanctuary | Koderma | 177.35 | 1984 | Leopard, Sambar, Deer, Nilgai |
| 10. | Palkot Sanctuary ⭐ | Gumla | 182.83 | 1990 | Leopard, Sambar, Deer |
| 11. | Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary ⭐ | Sahibganj | 5.65 | 1991 | Kingfisher, Migratory Birds (Siberian, etc.) |
Gautam Buddha Sanctuary extends to Gaya district of Bihar (138.36 sq. km.)
Major Bird Sanctuaries in Jharkhand
| S. No | Bird Sanctuary | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tilaiya Bird Sanctuary | Koderma |
| 2. | Tenughat Bird Sanctuary | Bokaro |
| 3. | Chandrapura Bird Sanctuary | Bokaro |
| 4. | Ichagarh Bird Sanctuary | Seraikela-Kharsawan |
| 5. | Udhwa Bird Sanctuary ⭐ | Sahibganj |
Biological Gardens for Ex-situ Conservation
1. Birsa Munda Zoological Park (Oormanjhi, Ranchi)
- Established in 1994
- Located on the banks of Sapahi River
- Upgraded to a medium zoo in 2013
- India’s 4th zoo with its own website: www.birsazoojharkhand.in
- In 2017, foundation for India’s largest aquarium laid within campus
- Features:
- Natural breeding of Sambar and Chital
- Popular for eco-tourism
- Has a toy train for tourists
2. Butterfly Park (Oormanjhi, Ranchi)
3. Birsa Vihar Mrig Vihar (Kalimati, Khunti)
Highlighted Points for Competitive Exams
- ⭐ Only National Park in Jharkhand: Betla National Park
- ⭐ Only Tiger Reserve: Palamu Tiger Reserve
- ⭐ Only Elephant Reserve: Singhbhum Elephant Reserve (2001)
- ⭐ Only State with a Tiger Corridor: Guru Ghasidas–Palamu–Lawalong Corridor
- ⭐ Bird Sanctuary famous for migratory birds: Udhwa Lake Sanctuary
- ⭐ Dark Sky Observation Site: Palamu Reserve – becoming Astro-photography Hub
Key Wildlife Areas – Jharkhand Map Overview
Jharkhand hosts numerous wildlife and biodiversity hotspots across all its districts. Major locations are spread over regions like Palamu, Ranchi, Hazaribagh, East Singhbhum, and Bokaro.
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Tiger Reserves
⭐ 1. Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Palamu District
- Included in Palamu Tiger Reserve
- Connected with Betla National Park
⭐ 2. Betla National Park
- Location: Latehar District
- Features dense forest, waterfalls, and a variety of fauna
- Part of the Project Tiger initiative
⭐ 3. Palamu Tiger Reserve
- One of India’s oldest tiger reserves
- Part of Guru Ghasidas–Palamu–Lawalong Tiger Corridor
⭐ 4. Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Chatra District
- Known for leopards, deer, and wild boar
⭐ 5. Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Hazaribagh District
- Popular for leopards and sambar deer
⭐ 6. Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary
- Location: Latehar District
- Jharkhand’s only wolf sanctuary
⭐ 7. Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located across Koderma (Jharkhand) and Gaya (Bihar)
- Rich in biodiversity
⭐ 8. Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Giridih District
- Near the sacred Parasnath Hill (Jain pilgrimage site)
⭐ 9. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: East Singhbhum District
- Popular for elephants
- Includes Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park (Jamshedpur)
⭐ 10. Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Dhanbad District
- Near Hari Pahadi Lake – known for its scenic beauty
⭐ 11. Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Koderma District
⭐ 12. Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Gumla and Simdega Districts
Bird Sanctuaries in Jharkhand
⭐ 1. Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Sahibganj District
- Attracts migratory birds (e.g., Siberian, Brahminy duck)
⭐ 2. Tilaiya Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Koderma District
⭐ 3. Ichagarh Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Seraikela-Kharsawan District
⭐ 4. Chandrapura Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Bokaro District
⭐ 5. Tenughat Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Bokaro District
⭐ 6. Ichagarh (Ichagarh Pakhshi Vihar)
- Location: Seraikela
⭐ 7. Echagarh Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Seraikela-Kharsawan
Biodiversity and Theme Parks (Ex-situ Conservation)
⭐ Birsa Munda Biological Park
- Location: Ormanjhi, Ranchi
- Also known as Birsa Zoo
- Major attraction for wildlife tourism
⭐ Jharpark (Jharkhand Parks Management Authority)
- A state-level initiative for managing major public parks
- Operated by Jharkhand Park Management & Development Authority (JPMDA)
Included under Jharpark:
| S. No | Park Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Birsa Munda Jaivik Udyan | Ranchi |
| 2. | Deendayal Park | Ranchi |
| 3. | Nakshatra Van | Ranchi |
| 4. | Siddho-Kanhu Park | Ranchi |
| 5. | Oxygen Park | Ranchi |
| 6. | Shahid Nirmal Mahto Park ⭐ | Hazaribagh |
| 7. | Sri Krishna Park ⭐ | Ranchi |
| 8. | Ambedkar Park | Silli (Ranchi) |
| 9. | Mohbandha Theme Park | Jamshedpur |
| 10. | Siddho-Kanhu Park | Dumka |
Crocodile Breeding Centre (Exotic Fauna Breeding)
Mugger Breeding Centre
- Location: Muta (Rukka), Ranchi
- Focus on breeding mugger crocodiles
- Used for scientific and eco-tourism purposes
Biodiversity Initiatives
Biodiversity Park – Lal Khatanga, Namkum (Ranchi)
- Established in 2012
- Focuses on eco-tourism
- Contains rare medicinal plants
Jharkhand Biodiversity Board
- Constituted: 20 December 2007
- Under: Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Roles:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Equitable sharing of benefits
- Training for livelihood-based biodiversity use
Additional Notable Parks & Gardens
- Birsa Munda Smriti Park, Ranchi – 25 ft statue of Birsa Munda
- Jawaahar Lal Nehru Jaivik Udyan – Jamshedpur
- Barwe (Ormanjhi) – Site of Jharkhand’s First Animal Rescue Centre
- Herbal Demonstration Nursery, Petarwar (Bokaro) – for training & awareness
- Khandoli Park, Giridih
- Shahid Park, Kharsawan
- Rock Garden, Ranchi
- Ramdayal Munda Park, Ranchi
- Swami Vivekanand Park, Ranchi
- Muri Tungri Park, Muri
- Muri Dhangurha Park, Silli
- Shrishti Park, Dumka
- Upadhyay Udyan, East Singhbhum
Competitive Exam Highlights (Frequently Asked MCQs)
- Only National Park: Betla National Park
- Only Tiger Reserve: Palamu Tiger Reserve
- Only Elephant Reserve: Singhbhum Elephant Reserve (2001)
- Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary: Only bird sanctuary with migratory bird habitat
- Jharpark: Body managing all major state parks
- Mugger Crocodile Centre: Located in Muta (Rukka), Ranchi
- Gautam Buddha Sanctuary: Shared with Bihar
- Biodiversity Park: Established in 2012 at Lal Khatanga, Ranchi
- Barwe (Ormanjhi): First animal rescue centre of the state
- Shahid Nirmal Mahto Park & Sri Krishna Park often asked in state exams