Bhubaneswar: In a rare and exciting occurrence, first-time safari tourists at Debrigarh Sanctuary were thrilled to spot the elusive Wild Dog, also known as Dhole or Balua Kukura in Odia, during a safari on 10th August. The sighting took place at around 3:30 PM near the Deer Zone of the safari route.
The Wild Dog, an endangered species, is seldom seen in Odisha or other parts of India. Historically, its presence in Odisha has been recorded only in the Kuldiha Sanctuary of Balasore and the Similipal region. The last confirmed sighting of the Wild Dog in Debrigarh Sanctuary was in 2023, marking its return after a gap of 7-8 years.
Over the past year, both Wild Dogs and Wolves have been recorded in Debrigarh, with this latest sighting reaffirming the sanctuary’s importance as a haven for rare and endangered species. The Wild Dog is known for its rarity and is considered a prized sighting for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.