Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha hosted its second Indian Bison Festival on Thursday, drawing more than 600 attendees from various sectors of society. The festival, which took place in the heart of the sanctuary, featured a unique night camping activity, offering participants a rare opportunity to experience the wilderness under the stars.

Conservation and Education Take Center Stage

The event began with expert discussions on the Indian Bison, also known as the Gaur, followed by a wildlife documentary screening. A drawing competition was held for school and college students, with themes focusing on the strength of the wild and the heritage of India’s iconic species.

Participants were divided into two categories: junior students, who focused on the theme ‘Strength of the Wild – Pride of Debrigarh Sanctuary,’ and senior students, whose theme was ‘Wild Heritage of India – The Mighty Gaur.’ Winners received prizes for their entries, encouraging youth engagement in wildlife conservation.

The festival also recognized the contributions of frontline conservation staff. Awards were presented to the best-performing Foresters and Forest Guards for their efforts in protecting and conserving the Gaur population within the sanctuary.

Experiential Activities Offer Unique Insights

Following the morning sessions, attendees participated in a 2.5-hour Gaur Safari within the sanctuary. The experience included stargazing sessions for those who opted for night camping. Under the pristine night sky, visitors observed constellations such as the Saptarishi Mandal and Orion, with the backdrop of the sanctuary and the nearby Hirakud Wetland.

The festival also included a visit to Bat Island and Island Café the following morning. Here, visitors could safely observe more than 1,000 fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, that roost on the island. This activity provided a unique opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of the region.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has emerged as a critical conservation area for the Indian Bison in eastern India. Recent field observations estimate the population at around 848 individuals, representing a nearly 190-animal increase in the past year. The sanctuary’s grassland-forest mosaic habitat supports successful breeding and recruitment, with frequent sightings of herds and the presence of calves.

According to officials, the sanctuary’s strong ecological integrity and balanced ecosystem offer significant potential as a long-term source population for Gaur conservation in India. Ongoing initiatives such as habitat management, grassland restoration, wetland conservation, and systematic population monitoring aim to further strengthen the sanctuary as a secure breeding stronghold for the species.

Himanshu Lal, IG of Police, Northern Range Sambalpur, and Bison Expert of India Dr. K Shankar, among others, attended the event. The occasion was also graced by regional wildlife enthusiasts from districts such as Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, and Bolangir. Approximately 600 EDC (Eco Development Committee) members from villages surrounding the sanctuary also participated.

With its growing reputation as a hub for wildlife conservation, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary continues to attract attention from conservationists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts. The festival not only promotes awareness about the Gaur but also highlights the importance of preserving the region’s unique biodiversity.

Officials have stated that the sanctuary’s efforts in conservation are part of a broader initiative to ensure the survival of the Indian Bison in the region. The success of the festival is expected to encourage further community involvement and support for wildlife conservation efforts in Odisha.