Bettiah: Tourists on a morning safari at the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran on Sunday were thrilled by a close sighting of a rhinoceros, an encounter that generated excitement among visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.According to forest officials, the rhino is among a small number of individuals that migrated from Nepal’s Chitwan National Park and have found the habitat in VTR suitable for a prolonged stay. The presence of these large herbivores is being viewed as a positive sign of ecological balance and habitat suitability in the reserve.Divisional forest officer (DFO) Vikas Kumar of Division 2 confirmed that two rhinos, identified as R-5 and R-8, have been moving regularly within the forest area for a considerable period.“The safe environment of VTR has led to a steady increase in wildlife population,” Vikas said. “Continuous monitoring, strict prevention of poaching and sustained conservation efforts are showing encouraging results,” he added.Tourists who witnessed the sighting described the moment as unforgettable.“We were on safari when suddenly a rhino appeared quite close to us. We immediately captured photos and videos. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” said a visitor.Forest authorities once again stressed the importance of following safety protocols during safaris. Visitors have been urged to maintain a safe distance from wild animals and strictly adhere to guidelines to avoid any untoward incidents.The VTR, the only tiger reserve in Bihar, is steadily drawing attention for its rich biodiversity. Apart from rhinos, the reserve is home to tigers, leopards, bears and several species of deer. Officials believe the increasing presence of such wildlife is enhancing the region’s profile as an emerging eco-tourism destination.
