The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary conducted its first-ever census of Indian Bisons, also known as Gaurs, on November 12 and 13. The survey recorded a total of 659 Gaurs, including both adult and juvenile populations.
Census Overview
The census was carried out using a direct observation technique, where teams of 53 census units comprising 114 members surveyed the sanctuary. This survey took place from 6 am to 6 pm over two days. The teams conducted the survey by foot, following forest roads, animal trails, water bodies, grasslands, meadows, and saltlicks to track the animals.
Key Findings
- Total Population: 659 Gaurs were counted in the sanctuary.
- Juvenile Population: Approximately 210 of the Gaurs were juveniles, accounting for 30% of the total population. This indicates a thriving and fast-growing Gaur population in Debrigarh.
- Herd Composition: The Gaurs were observed in around 52 herds, including female Gaurs with calves.
- Herd Size: The size of the herds ranged from 8 to 33 individuals.
- Bull Size: Indian Gaurs in the sanctuary are notably large, with strong bulls weighing up to 1,500 kg.
Survey Methodology
The landscape-wide census was conducted by dividing the sanctuary into smaller segments, with each team covering specific areas to avoid overlap. This systematic approach helped ensure accurate data collection. Despite the challenging terrain and dense vegetation, the teams achieved a detection probability of approximately 80%. This means that 20% of the population might have been missed due to restricted visibility and the movement of the herds.
Habitat and Diet
Indian Gaurs are primarily found in the foothills of Debrigarh, where the meadows are rich in food sources like grass, bamboo, siali, palas, and other browsable plants, as well as fruits, leaves, bark, and young shoots.
Impact of Relocation Efforts
Anshu Pragyan Das, the DFO of Wildlife, mentioned that the presence of a healthy one-third juvenile population is a testament to the success of the relocation of 400 families from the sanctuary two years ago. This move has helped convert the area into nutritious meadows, promoting the growth and health of the Gaur population.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When was the first-ever census of Indian Bisons (Gaurs) conducted in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) November 10 and 11
- B) November 12 and 13
- C) November 14 and 15
- D) November 16 and 17
Answer: B) November 12 and 13
- What percentage of the total Gaur population in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary are juveniles?
- A) 20%
- B) 25%
- C) 30%
- D) 50%
Answer: C) 30%
- How many Gaurs were counted in the census of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
- A) 500
- B) 600
- C) 659
- D) 700
Answer: C) 659
- What is the weight of the adult male Indian Gaurs found in Debrigarh Sanctuary?
- A) 500 kg
- B) 1,000 kg
- C) 1,200 kg
- D) 1,500 kg
Answer: D) 1,500 kg
- What was the detection probability achieved during the Gaur census?
- A) 50%
- B) 60%
- C) 70%
- D) 80%
Answer: D) 80%
- Which of the following is NOT part of the Indian Bison’s diet in Debrigarh Sanctuary?
- A) Grass
- B) Bamboo
- C) Fruits
- D) Fish
Answer: D) Fish
- What was the significant change made to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary two years ago that benefited the Gaur population?
- A) Introduction of new food sources
- B) Relocation of 400 families
- C) Construction of more water bodies
- D) Expansion of forest cover
Answer: B) Relocation of 400 families