Debrigarh: In a significant push for avian conservation and environmental education, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has launched a dedicated 2-km-long Birding Trail. Opened to the public on Saturday as part of the ongoing Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations, the trail is being hailed as a “living classroom” for nature enthusiasts, children, and youth.
The new trail is a dedicated trek that meanders through the sanctuary’s diverse habitats, including small streams, lush grasslands, and dense forest patches, with a portion running along the Hirakud Wetland. This varied landscape offers visitors a unique opportunity to spot over 340 species of birds found in Debrigarh throughout the year, as well as the more than 110 migratory species that visit the Hirakud Wetland every winter.
To enhance the learning experience, sanctuary officials have installed 42 informative display boards along the route. Each board provides detailed information on a commonly seen but significant bird of Debrigarh, including its name, lifespan, diet, nesting patterns, calls, and behavior.
“The birding trail, guided by trained naturalists, will enable every visitor to identify bird species and learn about their crucial ecological roles,” said Anshu Pragyan Das, Divisional Forest Officer of the Hirakud Wildlife Division. She emphasized that the initiative aims to foster a deeper connection with nature and build a sense of empathy towards other forms of life.
In addition to the display boards, the forest department has produced a short film featuring various bird calls—such as mating, distress, and contact calls—to help visitors identify species through sound, adding an auditory dimension to the experience.
The trail has been specifically designed as an educational tool for all age groups, promoting awareness of avian biodiversity and the importance of habitat conservation.