About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location: It is situated in the Bargarh district of Odishanear the Hirakud dam (Mahanadi River).
- It finds a special mention because of noted freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. During his rebellion against the British, his base at ‘Barapathara” was located within the sanctuary.
- It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985.
- Vegetation:Dry deciduous mixed forests.
- Flora: Major trees found here are Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, Dhaura etc.
- Fauna: A huge variety of wild animals reside in the dense forest of the sanctuary, such as Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Hyena, Spotted Deer, Antelopes, Sambar, Gaur, Nilgai, Bison, Langur Monkeys etc.
Key facts about Indian Bison
- Indian Bisons are one of the largest extant bovines. It is one of the largest species among the wild cattle, reaching a shoulder height of up to 220 cm.
- Habitat: They are found on the forested hills and grassy areas of south to southeast
- Distribution:
- There are about 13,000 to 30,000 gaurs in the world with approximately 85% of the population present in India. It is also found in Burma and Thailand.
- The Western Ghats in southern India constitute one of the most extensive extant strongholds of gaur, in particular in the Wayanad – Nagarhole – Mudumalai – Bandipur complex.
- The gaur is the State Animal of Goa and Bihar.
- Conservation:
- IUCN: vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
