Itanagar, May 8: A Royal Bengal Tiger has been photographed in D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time in nearly two decades, confirming the return of the species to the protected area and marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in Arunachal Pradesh.
The tiger was captured during the latest round of camera trap surveys conducted in the sanctuary with technical support from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. Forest officials said repeated monitoring exercises had been carried out over the past year after indirect evidence suggested possible tiger movement in the landscape.
Although earlier attempts failed to produce photographic proof, officials continued surveillance with what they described as “renewed intensity and persistence” before finally recording the big cat on camera.
The survey also documented the presence of the Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin and the rare Endangered Hispid Hare, further underlining the ecological significance of the sanctuary’s riverine grassland ecosystem.
Divisional Forest Officer Kempi Ete described the development as an “immensely proud and emotional moment”, stating that the tiger’s return reflected “the resilience of the ecosystem and the cumulative impact of sustained conservation efforts on the ground”.
“The return of the tiger after nearly two decades reflects the resilience of the ecosystem,” Ete said, adding that the achievement belonged equally to forest staff, Eco-Development Committees and local community organisations involved in conservation initiatives across the region.
Officials noted that the confirmed presence of a tiger represents a major ecological indicator, as apex predators are considered vital markers of habitat health and ecosystem stability.
Rajkamal Goswami, who leads biodiversity and bio-resource conservation initiatives for ATREE in Arunachal Pradesh, described the image as “historic photographic evidence” and said it reflected the long-term conservation work undertaken since the sanctuary was established.
He further stated that collaborative conservation efforts involving researchers and local communities had strengthened protection measures in the sanctuary. Goswami expressed hope that the rediscovery would lead to enhanced scientific monitoring and stronger conservation support for the protected area, which remains the only sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh dominated by riparian grasslands.
The Forest Department said it would continue to intensify habitat protection, scientific monitoring and community-led conservation programmes to safeguard wildlife populations in the landscape.
Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng termed the tiger’s return a “healthy sign” of improving ecological conditions in the sanctuary. He added that the presence of the species could strengthen tourism prospects and create employment opportunities for youths living in fringe villages surrounding the protected area.
Tayeng had earlier initiated a proposal for rhino reintroduction in the sanctuary with the Arunachal Pradesh government. The proposal was later incorporated into the state budget by Chief Minister Pema Khandu as part of plans to develop the sanctuary into a major biodiversity and eco-tourism destination.
