The second edition of the Indian Bison Fest will be held on March 8, 2026, at Zeropoint inside the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Sambalpur. The festival celebrates the Indian bison, locally called ‘Gayala’. Bison population is steadily rising in the Debrigarh-Hirakud landscape. With guided gaur safaris, night camping, this two day event promises an immersive wildlife experience.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Hosts Indian Bison Fest 2026
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary will host the second edition of the Indian Bison Fest on March 8.
- Organized by the Hirakud Wildlife Division.
- Venue is Zeropoint inside the sanctuary.
- Event brings together students, researchers, volunteers and wildlife lovers.
- Focus is on conservation of Indian bison (gaur).
- Festival expanded into a two day immersive experience with night camping.
The Indian Bison Fest highlights Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary as a key gaur conservation hub.
Gaur Population Growth in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Latest census recorded 848 gaurs in January 2026.
- Net increase of 190 animals within one year.
- Around 235 juveniles below two years, nearly 30% of population.
- Indicates strong breeding success and healthy herd dynamics.
- Sanctuary emerging as a major conservation landscape in eastern India.
- Shows stable and increasing gaur population trend.
The rising gaur population strengthens the ecological importance of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Indian Bison Fest Activities: Safari, Camping and Stargazing
Event begins with expert talks on gaur behaviour and habitat.
- Wildlife film screening included in the programme.
- Guided gaur safari inside the sanctuary.
- Night camping introduced in this edition.
- Stargazing session in the evening.
- Constellations like Saptarishi Mandal and Orion visible clearly.
- Next day includes trekking and cruise ride.
- Visit to Bat Island, home to over 1,000 fruit bats.
The Indian Bison Fest offers a mix of wildlife education and eco-tourism activities.
Conservation Efforts in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Strategic habitat management underway.
- Grassland restoration programmes ongoing.
- Wetland management initiatives implemented.
- Systematic gaur population monitoring conducted.
- Focus on maintaining prey-predator balance.
- Sanctuary positioned as long term source population for gaur conservation.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is strengthening its role as a secure breeding stronghold.
About Indian Bison (Gaur)
- The Indian bison, also known as gaur (Bos gaurus), is the largest bovine species in the world.
- It is found in forests of India and Southeast Asia.
- The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.
- Gaurs prefer grasslands and forested landscapes with access to water sources.
- Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict.
- And also maintaining healthy breeding populations in protected areas like Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Question
Q. The Indian Bison Fest 2026 will be held at,
A) Similipal Tiger Reserve
B) Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
C) Satkosia Gorge
D) Bhitarkanika National Park
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