A Royal Bengal Tiger has been photographed in D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary after nearly two decades, marking the confirmed return of the species to the protected area and a significant boost to conservation efforts in the state.
The big cat was recorded during the latest round of camera trap surveys conducted with technical support from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. Forest officials said monitoring had been intensified over the past year following indirect signs of tiger movement in the landscape.
Earlier surveys did not yield photographic proof, but continued efforts with “renewed intensity and persistence” eventually led to the breakthrough image.
The survey also documented the Chinese pangolin, listed as Critically Endangered, and the rare hispid hare, underlining the ecological significance of the sanctuary’s riverine grassland habitat.
Calling the development an “immensely proud and emotional moment”, Divisional Forest Officer Kempi Ete said, “The return of the tiger after nearly two decades reflects the resilience of the ecosystem.” He added that the achievement was the result of sustained efforts by forest staff, Eco-Development Committees and local communities.
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Officials noted that apex predators such as tigers are key indicators of habitat health and ecological balance, making the sighting a crucial milestone.
Rajkamal Goswami, who leads biodiversity conservation initiatives for ATREE in the state, described the image as “historic photographic evidence” of long-term protection efforts in the sanctuary. He said collaborative conservation involving researchers and communities had strengthened protection measures.
He expressed hope that the rediscovery would encourage greater scientific monitoring and institutional support for the sanctuary, which is the only protected area in Arunachal Pradesh dominated by riparian grasslands.
The Forest Department said it would continue to bolster habitat protection, monitoring and community-led conservation initiatives to secure wildlife populations.
Local legislator Oken Tayeng termed the tiger’s return a “healthy sign” of improving ecological conditions. He said the development could boost eco-tourism and generate employment for local youth.
Tayeng had earlier proposed reintroduction of rhinoceroses in the sanctuary, a plan later incorporated into the state budget by Chief Minister Pema Khandu as part of efforts to develop the area into a major biodiversity and eco-tourism hub.
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