Bhubaneswar, Ap 15: In a significant wildlife conservation initiative, the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is set to receive 20 Indian bison as part of efforts to enhance the sanctuary's biodiversity. The Odisha Forest Department has planned to introduce these animals in two phases, with the first phase bringing 10 Indian bisons from the Debrigarh area to Chandaka.

The first batch of Indian bisons is being transported in a specially designed vehicle to ensure a smooth transition.

According to Vinod Acharya, the Chandaka Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), this move is aimed at increasing the population of Indian bisons in the sanctuary and improving the wildlife ecosystem. The introduction of Indian bisons, along with other species, will help in strengthening the sanctuary’s biodiversity, which already includes animals like deer, nilgai, elephants, and various other species.

The sanctuary, which is home to various endangered species, has long been lacking Indian bisons. As part of the plan to increase their population, the Forest Department has worked closely with the state’s Wildlife Department to bring these animals into the region.

In the initial phase, 10 Indian bisons will be brought from Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The transportation is underway and will conclude with the safe arrival of these animals in the Chandaka Sanctuary. The DFO has also mentioned that there will be a second phase, in which another 10 Indian bisons will be added to the sanctuary.

In 2024, the Odisha Forest Department successfully introduced Sambars (another species of deer) to the Bharatpur jungle, where they have since flourished. The department has high hopes that the introduction of Gayaals will similarly contribute to biodiversity improvement in the Chandaka sanctuary.

The Indian bisons will initially be placed in an enclosure to ensure their safe acclimatization to the new environment. Over time, the animals will be released into the wild to roam freely and further contribute to the expansion of their population in the sanctuary. With these additions, the Chandaka Sanctuary is set to strengthen its position as a hub for wildlife preservation in Odisha.