9 November 2026 | Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bargarh, Odisha
A Royal Bengal Tiger has been spotted in Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, raising hopes for tiger conservation in western Odisha. Its presence has been confirmed through camera-trap images, while forest personnel have also reportedly sighted the animal during patrols.
The sighting is particularly significant because the sanctuary’s previous known tiger moved into neighbouring Chhattisgarh, where it died after being electrocuted.
Tiger Enters Through Forest Corridor
According to Hirakud Wildlife Division DFO Anshu Pragyan Das, the tiger is believed to have entered Debrigarh through the Dechuan-Lakhanpur forest corridor in Bargarh district.
Its age, sex and origin are yet to be established. Camera-trap photographs have been sent to experts at the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for identification through stripe-pattern analysis.
Intensive Monitoring Underway
The Forest Department has strengthened surveillance to protect the animal and track its movements. Measures include:
- Installation of 100 camera traps at strategic locations.
- Deployment of 27 patrol teams for daily monitoring.
- Three-tier night patrolling.
- Increased vigilance against poaching and illegal electric fencing.
Authorities are also monitoring areas near human settlements to minimise the risk of conflict.
A Previous Tiger’s Tragic Fate
Debrigarh hosted a tiger between 2022 and 2024. The animal reportedly stayed for around 18 months before moving into Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh, where it died after coming into contact with an electric fence.
Its death highlighted the dangers faced by dispersing tigers beyond protected-area boundaries.
Debrigarh’s Potential for Tiger Conservation
Spread across more than 900 sq km, Debrigarh supports diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands and waterbodies. Its wildlife includes gaur, sambar, spotted deer, leopards and sloth bears.
The sanctuary’s location and connectivity with forests in neighbouring Chhattisgarh make it potentially important for tiger movement and dispersal.
Odisha has also been pursuing the proposal to develop Debrigarh as a tiger reserve. However, the presence of one tiger does not establish a resident or breeding population. Long-term monitoring, prey assessment and habitat evaluation will be essential.
Protecting Tigers Across State Boundaries
The latest sighting underlines the importance of protecting wildlife corridors beyond individual sanctuaries. Tigers moving between Odisha and Chhattisgarh face threats from poaching, illegal electric fencing and human-wildlife conflict.
Coordination between neighbouring forest departments and community participation will be crucial to ensuring their safety.
The tiger’s arrival is encouraging news for Debrigarh. Whether it settles in the sanctuary or continues its journey remains to be seen. For now, the priority is to identify the animal and protect it.
Source: Pragativadi (9 November 2026); The Statesman; Prameya News; Sambad English.
Last Updated: 9 November 2026
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