Chhattisgarh Tiger Identified in Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhubaneswar: Forest officials have confirmed that the tiger recently spotted in Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary was previously recorded in Chhattisgarh’s Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.
The identification was made through a detailed comparison of camera-trap images and stripe pattern analysis shared between wildlife authorities of the two states.
Officials said the male tiger was detected in Debrigarh after moving across state boundaries, highlighting the importance of habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors in central India.
Investigation of camera-trap records revealed that the big cat had earlier stayed in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve before dispersing into Odisha.
The tiger’s exact origin remains unclear. While wildlife experts suspect that it may have migrated from Maharashtra before reaching Chhattisgarh, no photographic evidence is currently available to confirm the route.
Authorities at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary have sought additional information from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to reconstruct the animal’s movement history and determine its source population.
The discovery has generated excitement among conservationists as it demonstrates healthy dispersal behaviour among tigers and highlights the growing significance of interconnected forest landscapes for the long-term survival of the species.
Forest officials continue to monitor the tiger’s movement through camera traps and field surveillance to ensure its safety and gather further ecological data.
