DEBRIGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - ENVIRONMENT
News: As
humans exit, wildlife has the run of Debrigarh
What's in the news?
● Debrigarh,
a wildlife sanctuary in Bargarh district of Odisha, has been made completely free of any human settlement following
one of the country's largest 'peaceful' relocations of forest-dwellers.
Key takeaways:
● As
many as 400 families have moved out of their villages after a series of
consultations.
● In
a State where permanent human settlements are common even within wildlife
sanctuaries, Debrigarh now stands out as an exception alongside the Nalabana
Bird Sanctuary in Chilika Lake.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
Location:
● The
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near
the city of Sambalpur and adjacent to
the Hirakud Dam.
Flora and Fauna:
● The
sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 40 species
of mammals, 200 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 12 species of
amphibians, 42 species of fishes, 39 species of odonates, 85 species of
butterflies, and 38 species of spiders.
Aquatic Biodiversity:
● The
sanctuary’s unique feature is its support for both terrestrial and aquatic
biodiversity.
● The
presence of the Hirakud reservoir contributes to the sanctuary’s appeal,
attracting numerous migratory waterfowl
during winter.
Medicinal flora:
● The
sanctuary is home to over 250 plant species, many of which hold significant
ethnobotanical and medicinal value.