Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is set to host the second edition of the two-day ‘Indian Bison Fest’.
- It is situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha.
- It is located near Hirakud Dam (the longest dam in India and the longest earthen dam in the world) on the Mahanadi River.
- It is historically significant as the 19th-century guerrilla base for freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. Specifically, the Barapathara area within the sanctuary served as his stronghold against British colonial rule.
- Most of the plant sanctuary is covered with mixed and dry deciduous forest.
- Major trees found here are Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, Dhaura, etc.
- Indian leopards, sloth bears, chousingha (four-horned antelope), sambar deer, gaurs (Indian bison), wild boars, and Indian wild dogs (dholes) are among the notable animal residents.
- It is one of the most flocked wintering grounds of migratory birds that visit the sanctuary from far-off places.
- Some of the most prominent among them are the crested serpent eagle, Flower Peckers, red-vented bulbul, tree pie, drongo, and white eye oriental.
- Indian Bison also known as Gaur, is the largest species among the wild cattle and the Bovidae.
- They have strong and mightily built, with a high grey ridge on their forehead between their horns, which curve upwards from the sides of the head.
- Gaurs are indigenous to the South and Southeast parts of Asia.
- Gaurs are primarily found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along with moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
- They prefer hilly terrains below an altitude of 1,500-1,800 m with large and undisturbed forest tracts and abundant water.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
