Daltonganj: Jaigeer Pahar in the Garu East range of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) is emerging as a key habitat for animals after around 60 families were shifted from the area to Polpol under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) plan.
PTR sources said the relocation of nearly 200 men, women and children has significantly reduced human interference, aiding wildlife revival in this once “starved” range. The change is evident with elephants now frequenting the hill, a phenomenon not recorded until 2024.
“Elephants prefer plains and valleys but not mountains. They generally don’t reside 1,000 feet above the ground but Jaigeer Pahar despite being so high, is turning an exception. The jumbos keep coming and going from here,” said Kumar Ashish, deputy director, south division of PTR.
On food and water availability, an officer said, “Elephants’ staple diet is bamboos which are available in plenty in and around the area. Although there is a water body, we are now planning to set up a larger check dam to hold more water for them.”
Carnivore presence has also been recorded. Ashish said, “One tiger spent nearly two months here recently before embarking on a new errand.” He added that the tiger’s current location cannot be disclosed “for the safety and security of the big cat”.
Forest guards have also spotted a leopard with two cubs frequently in the area. “Jaigeer Pahar has now seen a frequent visitor these days in a leopard with two cubs. Our forest guards have found it,” the officer said.
On prey base, officials reported recent sightings of wild boars. “Quite recently our forest guards saw a big group of wild boars,” Ashish said.
However, the south division continues to lag in prey density. While the north division has about 20 prey per sq km, the south division has only four per sq km. To address this, PTR is developing 80 hectares of new grassland. Officials said grasslands are critical for strengthening prey base and boosting wildlife management in the reserve.
