A Royal Bengal Tiger has been sighted at Arunachal Pradesh’s D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time in almost 20 years. Officials confirmed the sighting through camera trap evidence near Pasighat. The last confirmed tiger evidence in the sanctuary dates back to 2005, with only unverified sightings reported until around 2007-08.
The recent camera trap images have conclusively established the presence of the tiger in the landscape. A 2014 survey by the World Wide Fund for Nature had previously found no pugmarks or camera trap evidence of tigers, attributing their disappearance to rampant hunting by poachers.
The return of the tiger after nearly two decades is seen as a testament to the resilience of the ecosystem and the impact of sustained conservation efforts. The sanctuary is also home to the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin and the rare Endangered Hispid Hare, highlighting its ecological significance.
Forest officials had observed indirect signs of possible tiger movement over the past year. Despite earlier surveillance rounds failing to capture photographic proof, renewed efforts eventually led to the successful recording of the tiger on camera.
Wildlife experts are optimistic about the news, anticipating that the return of the Royal Bengal Tiger to the sanctuary will attract tourists. The D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, covers a protected area of approximately 190 square km and is a vital habitat for various wildlife species.
The Forest Department officials have pledged to enhance habitat protection, scientific monitoring, and community-led conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife in the sanctuary.
