Before conceptualizing any new tiger project, success can be assured if focus is given to several key issues. Along with evaluating other incidental factors, a detailed analysis of the behavioural patterns of tigers—such as food, water, and habitat—is essential. To survive in the wild, tigers need to live in areas that fulfil three basic requirements: a rich source of prey, easily accessible water, and suitable shelter to hide and safely raise their cubs.
Tigers can inhabit various types of habitats and are generally found in evergreen forests, mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests, vast grasslands, and rocky mountain ranges. Tigers limit their movement within a specific habitat known as their territory. They also use specific habitats for giving birth and raising cubs. The size of an area considered their territory depends not only on the number of males and females but also on the abundance of prey. For example, while a tigress may require an area of 20 square kilometres, a male tiger needs a larger area, typically 60 to 100 square kilometres, as one male tiger mates with four to five tigresses.
Apart from tigresses and their cubs, tigers are solitary animals. Individual tigers roam over large areas, also called home ranges, the size of which is determined by the availability of food. Tigers patrol their territory and mark it with urine and secretions from scent glands. They spray this discharge on trees, which gives off a strong scent that other animals and mates can identify, letting other tigers know the area is occupied. Tigers are extremely territorial; therefore, they fight with other animals and even other tigers that invade their space. They are seen with other tigers only during mating or, in the case of females, when they are caring for their offspring. It is natural for a female’s territory to overlap with a male’s, which is acceptable unless another male tries to invade the area.
Even though the tiger is such a powerful creature, hunting is not easy for them. While they can sprint very fast, it is impossible for them to chase swift prey like deer over long distances. Therefore, they strategize by hiding behind bushes to get close enough to leap from about 30 feet to capture the prey. They succeed in catching prey only about once in 20 attempts; for this reason, even if prey is very close, a tiger does not make an unnecessary attempt. Thus, there is a great need for an adequate population of prey animals.
Secondly, a major obstacle for any tiger project is the repeated opposition from villagers dependent on the forest, as tigers become a barrier to their free access. The non-cooperation of villagers living near the forest is another major hurdle in tiger conservation. Therefore, it is not possible to achieve conservation goals by the Forest Department behaving like “rulers” and treating local people as “subjects” with a colonial mindset. Successful conservation can only be achieved by involving the local people connected to the forest and gaining their confidence. All the tiger safaris in the country are examples of this! It is essential to correctly evaluate all possible reasons creating obstacles in the implementation of any project; for instance, local communities should be involved, and their opinions should be given importance. Using the tiger as an iconic species, a campaign should also be started in local schools with the support of the people.
The most heartening news is that the efficient forest officers currently in charge have already completed many positive activities regarding all the aforementioned requirements and potential obstacles. Remarkable changes have occurred in the last five years. Seven percent of the sanctuary area has been converted into vast meadows, providing delicious grass for herbivores and hiding/hunting habitats for both carnivores and herbivores. Habitat management systems, along with the creation of specific habitats for various species, have been completed.
The success of the sanctuary stems from an unprecedented community involvement approach. Under a comprehensive package including ₹15 lakhs compensation, agricultural land, pucca houses, and skill development training, four villages—Kurumkel, Rengali, Bhutuli, and Lambipali—with a population of 1,000 people, have been voluntarily relocated from the core interior area. Those former forest dwellers are now happily running computer centers, garages, shops, and other businesses using their compensation income as seed capital. This relocation process has freed 500 hectares of forest area from human activity and interference, which has been successfully converted into permanent grasslands crucial for the herbivore population.
More importantly, people from over 155 peripheral villages have been transformed from potential rivals into conservation partners. People from adjacent villages are directly employed in tourism activities today. The Forest Department has undertaken their training and capacity-building work. When communities manage visitors in more than 15 activities—including island visits, jungle safaris, bird watching, kayaking, cycling, and cultural tourism—they feel proud of their partnership with the Forest Department.
Today, the population of Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, and Wild Dogs is increasing beyond expectations. The leopard population has also increased, reaching 84. What makes this transformation extraordinary is that 40 percent of all animal herds are now newborns, while the Indian Gaur population has increased from 670 to over 700 in just six months, indicating a thriving ecosystem. Therefore, Debrigarh Sanctuary of Odisha is an excellent sanctuary for a tiger project as it is a safe forest where all requirements are met along with a rich food source. This 804 square kilometre sanctuary, which received approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority in July 2025, has transformed from a conflict-prone area into a rich environment. As Odisha’s Debrigarh represents a new example of conservation, it smoothly integrates wildlife protection, community welfare, and sustainable tourism. Despite some past ups and downs, Debrigarh today inspires confidence in a successful tiger project. It is hoped that soon our Odisha will also find a place on the wildlife map of other states.
Pramod Kumar Dhal
He is best described as a social commentator, grassroots observer and an author and social critic whose commentary focuses on judicial integrity, administrative reform, and the protection of the common citizen’s rights. A dynamic wildlife photographer who has made significant contributions to avian conservation with the book, “The Birds of Orissa: A Pictorial Encyclopedia” that got him the Sambad Parivesh Samman Award. He is from Kendrapara district of Odisha and can be contacted on +91.7008810112. [Views are personal]
