For the first time, college and high school students from Odisha will join the All India Tiger Estimation 2025-26. Forty-six students will participate in the national tiger census at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Their involvement is scheduled to begin in the second week of November .
This initiative marks a significant step for youth engagement in conservation. Students from Dunguri College, Kamgaon College, and Lakhanpur High School have been selected. Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, confirmed the student participation on Thursday . DFO Das stated the program aims to foster community involvement and motivate future conservation leadership within the sanctuary.
Student Training Program Initiated
Preparatory training sessions for the selected students began earlier this week, on Tuesday . These sessions will continue through the first week of November . The comprehensive program is designed to equip students with essential field skills for wildlife monitoring. It covers vital sampling protocols and detailed data collection methodologies necessary for the census.
A key focus of the training involves animal identification. Students are learning to distinguish between various herbivore and carnivore species. They are also being instructed on how to recognize and interpret animal signs. This includes specific characteristics of pugmarks, distinct footprints, rake marks left by claws, and scent marks used for territorial communication. Understanding different animal vocalizations is also part of the practical training curriculum.
National Tiger Census Details
The All India Tiger Estimation 2025-26 is a nationwide effort to assess tiger populations. Its implementation within Debrigarh Sanctuary is set for the second week of November . The sanctuary has been divided into 26 distinct census units. Each unit will be meticulously surveyed to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Eighty frontline forest officials will work alongside the student participants. Their combined efforts will contribute to data collection. A critical tool for this census is the deployment of camera traps. A total of 107 camera traps have been strategically positioned throughout the sanctuary. These cameras capture images of wildlife, aiding in population identification and density estimation.
The census employs a dual approach: sign surveys and camera trapping. Sign surveys involve tracking and recording physical evidence of animals. Camera trapping provides photographic evidence. Following the fieldwork, all collected data undergoes rigorous scientific analysis. This analysis aims to establish the current status of carnivore populations, evaluate prey density, and assess overall habitat health within Debrigarh.
Previous Wildlife Surveys in Debrigarh
The previous nationwide tiger census, the All India Tiger Census, was conducted in 2022 . This national effort provides baseline data for population trends. Following this, Debrigarh authorities carried out specific local estimations.
In 2023 , Debrigarh conducted a detailed estimation of prey density and its leopard population. This particular survey took place during the pre-monsoon period. It relied heavily on the pugmark method, a traditional technique for identifying and counting individual animals based on their unique footprints. The 2023 survey indicated a tentative leopard population of 82 individuals within the sanctuary’s boundaries.
Another significant wildlife survey occurred earlier this year. A summer census focused on gaur, also known as Indian bison. This exercise was conducted in May . It recorded a total of 788 gaur animals across the forest area. This count included 315 juveniles, providing insights into the reproductive success and population structure of this large herbivore species.