BIRSA MRIG VIHAR (KALAMATI)
History of Zoo
Birsa Mrig vihar is located in a beautiful sal forest of Kalamati of khunti district and is hardly 20 Kms away from the Capital city in the Ranchi-Khunti Road.The geography and vegetation provide a natural habitat for the deer for breeding in captivity.
Birsa Mrig Vihar, Kalamati was created by Govt. of Bihar vide sanctioned order No. 52 dated 02-01-1982 at an initial cost of Rs. 13.775 lakhs under the Tribal Area Sub Plan of the Department of Forest and Environment. Birsa Mrig Vihar, Kalamati was inaugurated by the then forest Honble Minister Sri. Bhukla Bhagat on 05-03-1987. Birsa Mrig Vihar, Kalamati has been recognized as Mini Zoo by CZA in the year 2009vide his letter no F. No 19-131/93-CZA(51)(M)-dated 19.05.2009.
Besides spotted deers and sambhars there are many birds flying within the park. The common birds found are Koel, Indian tree pie,Paradise fly catcher, Golden oriole, Munia, Fish tailed drongo, Rocket tailed drongo, Wood packer etc.
Tourist Attractions
Tourists from varied strata right from the busy city dwellers, students, naturelovers to young couples find this Mrig Vihar a right place to spend few hours. There are enclosures for spotted deers and sambhars in the Mrig Vihar.As high as 130 spotted deers and 30 sambharsadd beauty and richness to the Mrig Vihar.
There are beautifulwatch towers, sheds as wellas safari path for the tourist to have a glimpse of the agile deer.Thereis a children park with number of facilities for the children for fun making.
Geology
Geologically the area is mainly comprised of granites and gneisses of Archean age. The other rock type exposed in the region consist of mica schist, amphibolites, dolerites, pegmatite and quartz. In the uplands considerable thickness of laterite of pleistocene age is also found along with the granite and gneisses. Alluvium of recent to sub-recent age is found in the river valley.
Flora and fauna in the zoo premises:
Flora: The region is a Sal dominating dry deciduous Forest. The Major Plant Species is Amla, Amaltas, Bahera, Bhurkund, Bhelwa, Chakundi, Chilbil, Gamhar.
Fauna:
At the time of establishment, diversity of fauna in this region was on a higher side whereas presently due to increased biotic interference the number of wild animals often sighted in the natural habitat is a rare experience.
Climate:Park is blessed with a pleasant climate, summer, winter and rainy seasons are moderate. Hot weather generally starts in the middle of March and lasts till the end of June and the peak summer is in the month of May. In summer season Loo blows during day time resulting in sun-strokes occasionally. The mean maximum temperature is 37.2'C and mean Minimum temperature is 24'C. The winter season commences in November and lasts till the end of February. During winter the mean Maximum temperature is 22'C and means minimum is 7'C. The South west monsoon start in the middle of June and last till the months of September.
Rock & soil
Rock: The terrain is hilly, predominantly having rocks of Archean era (Dharwar and Post Dharwar). The soil is Mainly sandy in nature with rare patches of quartzite rocks in the gneisses Zone.
Soil:
Rocky Soil:Approximately 20% of the area comes under this. It is not actually under cultivation. This type of soil is found throughout the Kalamati.
Red Soil:After rocky soil comes red soil, which spreads throughout the zoo. It covers nearly 60% of the soil area. The texture of the soil is sandy and loamy in upland and midland respectively. Its fertility is poor and it is acetic only.
Yellowish grey and grey soil:Soil in the uplands is yellowish grey in colour while in the lowlands it is only grey. It covers 20% of the soil area. Soil in the upland is less fertile than the lowlands but on the whole this kind of soil is more fertile than red soil. However, this type of soil is deficient in organic matter as well as in other major soil nutrients.
Visitors amenities:
A number of facilities have been created in the past for the visitors they are:
- 1.Yatri Sheds of resting sheds.
- 2.Benches.
- 3.Watch – Towers.
- 4.Bridge & pathways.
- 5.Toilets
- 6.Drinking Water Facility
- 7.Parking Facility for tow wheelers and four wheelers
- 8.Canteen
- 9.Childrens Parks
- 10.Tourist Shed
- 11.Nature Education Center
- 12.Amphitheatre
- 13.Garden cum Lawn
- 14.Wheel chairs for disable visitors
Lawns and Gardens:
A beautiful lawn & garden is maintained at the entrance & children’s park. The undulating terrain near the children’s park is converted into a beautiful landscape.
Safari Path:
A safari path already exists in the park and it is used by the visitors to walk along to view the housed wild animals in various enclosures. The layout of the safari path is such that a visitors while moving along, it can view all the enclosures and wild animal in it and make observation, derive pleasures, do entertainment and avail various facilities meant for tourists. The Total length of Safari path is 1.25 kms along with drainage facilities in order to prevent soil erosion. The width of the path is approximately 4.87 mtr. with slight variations at some points. All the portion of safari path is covered with paver tiles to facilitate the easy walk for tourist. Visitors amenities e.g. yatri sheds of resting shed, benches, watch tower, bridges, drinking water facilities are all and along the safari path. .
Spotted Dear :
common Name | Chital,spotted deer,Hiran |
scientific name | Axis axis |
Family | Cervidae |
Description | The coat is distinctive pinkish brown with rows of white markings that are retained throughout life. The average weight of a spotted deer is about 50 kg. |
Distribution | India & Srilanka |
Habitat | Woodland forests and clearings of waterways. |
Behavior | The spotted deers often live in large herds.It grazes mainly in the morning and evening hours.Generally,love to rest in sheds and cool places during the heat of the day.The gestation period is 7-7 and half months. The spotted deer gives birth to 1-3 fawns. |
Common Name | Sambhar |
Scientific Name | Cervus unicolor |
Family | Cervidae |
Description | The coat of sambhar is hispid and long. Only the stags have antlers which usually have threetimeseach and can reach a length of 1 meter. The average weight of sambhar is 150 to 315Kg. |
Distribution Habitat | India & Indonesia |
Habitat | Humid tropical and sub-tropical forest upto on altitudes 10000 ft. |
Behavior | Sambhar graze grass; eat leaves as well as fruits. It is not easy to catch a glimpse in the forest aswith a slightest sound, it darts off in to the deep forest. It is solitary. During the mating seasons the stags acquire harems which they defend vigorously from rivals. Gestation period is 8 months. Shambhar gives birth to 1 or rarely 2 fawns. |