Bhubaneswar: The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary held its 2nd Indian Bison Fest today, bringing together more than 600 participants from various sectors. This year’s festival showcased Night Camping as a new feature, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the wilderness of Debrigarh.
The morning activities included expert discussions on the Indian Bison (Gaur), a wildlife documentary screening, and the awarding of prizes to school and college students who excelled in a drawing competition held during the event. The competition themes were “Strength of the Wild – Pride of Debrigarh Sanctuary” for junior participants and “Wild Heritage of India – The Mighty Gaur” for senior participants.
The event also honored the dedication of frontline staff, presenting awards to the top-performing Foresters and Forest Guards for their exceptional contributions to Gaur conservation and protection.
Following the festival program, participants enjoyed a 2.5-hour Gaur Safari within the sanctuary and stargazing sessions for those camping overnight, where they could observe constellations such as Saptarishi Mandal and Orion under the clear night sky over the sanctuary and the adjacent Hirakud Wetland.
Tomorrow morning’s schedule includes a visit to Bat Island and Island Café, where attendees can safely view over 1,000 fruit bats (Flying Foxes) that roost on the island.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has become a crucial conservation area for the Indian Bison in eastern India. Recent estimates suggest a population of approximately 848 individuals, marking an increase of nearly 190 animals in the past year. Regular herd sightings, the presence of calves, and the sanctuary’s grassland-forest mosaic habitat contribute to successful breeding and recruitment.
With its robust ecological integrity and balanced ecosystem, Debrigarh has significant potential as a long-term source population for Gaur conservation in India. Ongoing efforts, including habitat management, grassland restoration, wetland conservation, and systematic population monitoring, aim to enhance the sanctuary as a secure breeding ground for this iconic species.
The event was attended by Himanshu Lal, IG of Police, Northern Range Sambalpur; Bison Expert of India Dr. K Shankar; DFO Hirakud Wildlife Division Anshu Pragyan Das; and regional wildlife enthusiasts from Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Bolangir, and other districts, along with 600 EDC members from various villages neighboring the sanctuary.
