After an absence of nearly two decades, a Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) has been spotted in the forests of Odisha’s Sundargarh district, marking a significant wildlife sighting. Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), shared the news on Monday, revealing that the tiger had migrated from the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh. Nanda expressed a warm welcome to the tiger, suggesting that it had traveled several hundred miles to establish its new territory in Odisha. The announcement was accompanied by photographs of the majestic animal, symbolizing a hopeful development for conservation efforts in the region.

According to the recent All Odisha Tiger Estimation for 2023-24, conducted by the Odisha government, the state’s forests are home to a total of 30 adult tigers and eight cubs. The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district harbors the majority of these tigers, with 27 adults (comprising 14 females and 13 males) and all of the cubs. Additionally, one adult male tiger has been sighted in each of the Hirakud Wildlife Division, Paralakhemundi Territorial Forest Division, and the Greater Similipal tiger landscape.

Of particular note is the presence of 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers among the 27 adults in Similipal, indicating a genetic variation that results in a darker appearance. This latest wildlife census underscores the importance of conservation efforts in preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems and protecting endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger. The sighting of this tiger in Sundargarh after such a prolonged absence serves as a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the significance of habitat preservation initiatives.