Context
A tiger has been spotted in the D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh after nearly 20 years, indicating a rare and significant wildlife presence in the region.
About D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary
- The sanctuary lies in the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, close to the Assam border, forming part of the inter-state ecological zone.
- It was first brought under protection in 1976, following the designation of the Lali Reserve Forest as a protected area.
- Later, in 1986, the site was renamed as D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, replacing its earlier identity as Lali Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The landscape is dominated by floodplains formed by the Siang River and its tributaries, making it a classic riverine habitat.
- The region has a tropical monsoon climate, receiving rainfall from both the south-west and north-east monsoon systems.
- The ground surface mainly consists of riverine plains, which are frequently affected by seasonal flooding due to river overflow.
Vegetation and Wildlife Diversity
- The sanctuary represents a typical floodplain ecosystem dominated by riverine grasslands and open plains, where vegetation is largely adapted to periodic flooding.
- The ground layer is mainly covered with grasses and thatch, while scattered tree species such as Bombax ceiba, Dillenia indica, Albizia spp., and Termenelia myriocarpa grow in patches suited to wet conditions.
- This varied habitat supports important mammals including hog deer, wild pig, elephant, and tiger, along with a highly diverse bird population of over 150 species.
- It is also significant for conservation of endangered birds like the White-winged Wood Duck and Bengal Florican, highlighting its ecological importance within the region.
