SAMBALPUR: Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary has reported a significant rise in the population of Indian Bison (gaur) with their number increasing to 788 from 659 in just six months.
According to the latest census conducted by the Hirakud Wildlife division, the sanctuary is now home to 788 gaurs including 315 juveniles and 128 newborns, indicating the robust breeding and healthy herd dynamics of this Schedule I species.
The census was carried out from May 11 to 13 through a three-day direct counting exercise involving 73 units and 147 personnel. It used 122 camera traps and 130 permanent inspection points to ensure accuracy. The first-ever gaur census was conducted in the sanctuary on November 12 and 13 last year during which 659 bisons were recorded.
During this period, the number of herds also increased from 52 to 60. It signifies natural herd division patterns where adult females lead and guide sub-adults and juveniles. The latest findings show that juveniles (below two years of age) account for about 40 per cent of the total population - a promising indicator of reproductive success.
Divisional forest officer, Hirakud Wildlife division Anshu Pragyan Das said, “To understand the breeding and calving patterns of gaurs in the Central Indian landscape, we will conduct monthly surveys during the upcoming monsoon and winter seasons. This will help us determine the peak calving period and population dynamics more accurately and support long-term conservation strategies for this vulnerable species.”
Known locally as ‘gayala’ , the Indian Bison has earned Debrigarh the title ‘The Land of Indian Bisons’ owing to frequent sightings of large herds, particularly in the tourism and eco-sensitive zones bordering the Hirakud Wetland. Despite being capable of long-distance migration, bisons in Debrigarh exhibit relatively stable territorial behaviour, often moving only five to 15 km daily.
The safari zone alone hosts 145 bisons across six herds, compared to 118 gaurs in five herds recorded last year. Debrigarh is the only sanctuary in Odisha where bison sightings during safari are almost certain.
With the relocation of 400 families four years ago, large tracts have turned into nutritious meadows, creating space for healthy breeding. Gaurs thrive in the meadows of Debrigarh’s foothills, feeding on seasonal grasses, bamboo, siali, palas and other browsable plants.
The next full-scale bison census in the sanctuary is scheduled for the winter this year.