Bonai: A Royal Bengal tiger has been spotted in the forests under Bonai forest division of Sundargarh district after reportedly moving in from the Bamra forest division in Sambalpur district. Forest officials confirmed its presence through its pugmarks and camera trap images. The big cat is currently roaming in and around the jungles under the Sol forest range, officials said. The forest department stated in a press release that the animal may be searching for a suitable habitat with food, shelter and breeding ground.
To ensure its safety, forest personnel have been deployed to remove snares, barbed wire and other traps that could endanger wildlife. Patrolling has also been intensified in the area. Experts note that the dense forests under Bonai forest division provide an ideal habitat for tigers. Last year, a similar big cat was photographed in the camera trap installed in the Toda reserve forest under the same forest division. Locals and wildlife activists have urged the forest department to create a safe sanctuary for the newly spotted tiger.
Local intelligentsia and environmental protection groups argue that Bonai is the only viable option in the state for a tiger reserve because of its dense forest cover and favourable environment. The Bonai Intellectual Forum has demanded to establish a tiger sanctuary combining the three forest ranges of Gurundia, Jarda and Sole under the forest division.