Royal return: Tiger sighted in Arunachal sanctuary after two decades

The D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh recorded a Royal Bengal tiger sighting after over 20 years, confirmed by camera traps with support from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). Forest officials attribute the return to sustained conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and community involvement, despite a 2014 WWF report indicating no tiger evidence in the sanctuary." "article": "The D Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (DEMWS), located near Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, has officially documented the return of a Royal Bengal tiger after a 20-year absence. Camera trap surveys, conducted with technical assistance from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), captured the adult tiger, marking the first confirmed sighting since 2005, when the last verified presence was recorded. Prior to this discovery, unverified sightings in 2007-08 and a 2014 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) baseline survey—reporting zero tiger pugmarks or camera trap evidence—had painted a bleak picture of the sanctuary’s tiger population. Poaching was identified as the primary cause for their disappearance. Over the past year, forest officials had noted indirect signs of tiger movement in the area, including tracks and other evidence. Divisional Forest Officer Kempi Ete described the sighting as ‘deeply moving,’ highlighting the resilience of the ecosystem and the impact of long-term conservation efforts. These efforts involved frontline forest staff, eco-development committees, and local community organizations working together to protect the landscape. The return of the tiger underscores the success of targeted anti-poaching initiatives and habitat restoration in the region. Conservationists now aim to reinforce these measures to ensure the sustainability of the tiger population within DEMWS.