Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

News– In a first-of-its-kind initiative. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary hosted the ‘indian Bison Fest’ to spread the word about its conservation needs and ecological significance. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location-It is located in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.
• Historical Significance– This sanctuary holds historical significance due to its association with the renowned freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. During his uprising against British rule, he used Barapathara, a site within the sanctuary, as his base of operations.
• Vegetation–  The sanctuary primarily features dry deciduous mixed forests.
• Flora– The major tree species found here include Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, and Dhaura.
• Fauna: Tigers, sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, spotted deer, antelopes, sambar, gaur, nilgai, bison, and langur monkeys.

Indian Bison (Gaur) It is the largest extant bovine species. It is among the largest wild cattle species, reaching a shoulder height of up to 220 cm. Habitat & Distribution: Gaurs inhabit forested hills, grasslands, and tropical deciduous forests across South and Southeast Asia. Globally, their population is estimated to be between 13,000 and 30,000, with around 85% found in India. Apart from India, they are also found in Burma and Thailand. In India, one of their strongest habitats is the Western Ghats, particularly in the Wayanad–Nagarhole–Mudumalai–Bandipur complex The gaur is the State Animal of Goa and Bihar. Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable CITES: Listed in Appendix I Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I