Itanagar, May 9: A Royal Bengal Tiger has been sighted in the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time in nearly two decades. Officials confirmed this remarkable event based on evidence collected from camera traps set up near Pasighat.
A representative from the Arunachal Pradesh Forest and Wildlife Department stated that the sighting was captured during a camera trap survey. This survey received technical assistance from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
The last confirmed evidence of a tiger in the sanctuary dates back to 2005. After that, only unverified reports surfaced until 2007-08. The recent camera trap images have definitively established the presence of tigers in the area.
A baseline survey published by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2014 painted a concerning picture, revealing no tiger tracks or evidence from camera traps. It suggested that poaching was a significant factor in their disappearance.
Signs of tiger activity in the surrounding areas have been emerging. In January 2026, forest officials from the Jonai Forest Range in Assam reported seeing the paw prints of an adult Royal Bengal Tiger in Kobu Chapori. This proposed reserve forest is adjacent to the sanctuary and located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
Divisional Forest Officer Kempi Ate described this moment as deeply emotional. He stated, “The return of the tiger after nearly two decades reflects the resilience of our ecosystem and the combined impact of ongoing conservation efforts.” He credited frontline forest staff, eco-development committees, and local community organizations for their continuous role in safeguarding the area.
The recent survey also recorded critically endangered Chinese pangolins and rare, endangered hispid hares, further emphasizing the ecological significance of the sanctuary’s unique riverine grassland ecosystem. This ecosystem is the only one of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh’s protected areas.
In the past year, forest officials had observed indirect signs indicating potential tiger movement in the area. Previous monitoring efforts yielded no photographic evidence, but officials persisted with renewed vigor and dedication, ultimately capturing the elusive predator on camera.
A wildlife expert remarked, “This is fantastic news for us. The return of the Royal Bengal Tiger to the wildlife sanctuary will attract tourists eager to visit. We are thrilled with this development.”
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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