Sambalpur: At least 1099 signs of carnivorous animals have been spotted during the wildlife census in Debrigarh Sanctuary of Odisha’s Sambalpur district.
According to sources in the Forest department, Hirakud Wildlife Division carried out the census to detect signs of both carnivorous and herbivorous animals in the sanctuary from May 29 to June 3. While the survey for signs of carnivorous animals was conducted in first 3 days, those of herbivores was made in the remaining period.
Among the carnivores, maximum signs of bear and leopard were detected. The survey found approximately 82 leopards and one Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT).
As per the survey, 46 signs of herbivorous animals were found in the sanctuary. Maximum signs belonged to wild boar, Gaur or bison, Sambar and Chowsingha. The population density of Chital and spotted deer was found to be highest at 90 per square km.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Division has mobilised 12 teams to monitor the movement of big cats round the clock with three operational control rooms. Mobile numbers of all control rooms have been displayed in all villages adjoining the sanctuary to elicit information and alert the villagers, the sources said.
