Itanagar, May 8: In a major conservation milestone for Arunachal Pradesh, the first-ever camera trap photograph of a tiger (Panthera tigris) has been captured in the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, confirming the species’ return to the protected area after nearly two decades, official sources said on Friday.
Over the past year, forest officials and frontline staff of the sanctuary had documented indirect signs indicating possible tiger movement. Multiple rounds of systematic monitoring and camera trapping were undertaken to scientifically verify these observations. Although earlier efforts did not yield photographic evidence, monitoring continued with renewed intensity and persistence.
In the latest phase of surveys, conducted with technical support from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), camera traps installed at strategic locations successfully captured images of a tiger, conclusively establishing its presence in the landscape.
The surveys also recorded the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin and the rare, illusive grassland species, the Endangered Hispid Hare, highlighting the sanctuary’s exceptional conservation significance.
“This is an immensely proud and emotional moment for everyone associated with D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary,” said Kempi Ete, Divisional Forest Officer.
“The return of the tiger after nearly two decades reflects the resilience of the ecosystem and the cumulative impact of sustained conservation efforts on the ground. This achievement belongs equally to our forest officials, frontline staff, Eco-Development Committee members and local community-based organisations who have continuously supported conservation initiatives in the landscape. We remain fully committed to strengthening protection measures and securing a safe habitat for this magnificent species,” Ete stated.
The confirmed presence of a tiger in the sanctuary marks a significant ecological achievement for the region. As an apex predator, the tiger serves as an indicator of ecosystem health and habitat integrity, underscoring the conservation value of the sanctuary’s unique riverine and grassland ecosystems.
Rajkamal Goswami, who leads biodiversity and bio-resource conservation initiatives in Arunachal Pradesh for ATREE, described the development as a testament to years of dedicated conservation efforts.
“This historic photographic evidence of tiger along with other highly threatened mammals is a testament to the long-standing conservation efforts of the staff of D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary since its inception,” Goswami said.
“It also reflects the importance of recent efforts to build collaborative conservation initiatives involving research institutions and local communities. We hope this rediscovery brings much-needed conservation attention and support for scientific monitoring, stronger protection measures, and sustained conservation action in the only protected area of Arunachal Pradesh where riparian grasslands form the primary habitat,” he added.
The Forest Department has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening habitat protection, scientific monitoring and community-led conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife in the landscape.