About– Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of Lohara & Debrigarh Reserved Forests of famous Barapahad hills of Bargarh District of Odisha.
- A third of the sanctuary’s area is bounded by the Hirakud Dam(Mahanadi River) in the east and north, thus forming a mini catchment for the reservoir.
- The sanctuary is also famous for magnificent waterfalls. One famous being Ushakothi.
Significance:
- The sanctuary finds a special mention because of noted freedom fighter Veer SurendraSai. During his rebellion against the British Veer SurendraSai made his base at ‘Barapathara” located within the sanctuary.
Vegetation: The sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forests. It is also home to many plant species which have ethno-botanical and medicinal value.
Fauna:
- It supports both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, attracting a significant number of migratory waterfowl during winter.
- The sanctuary is known for sightings of animals particularly four-horned antelope, leopards, elephants, gaur, wild boar, Sambar, deer among others.
