Tripura’s Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Sees Increase in Bison Population

The forest administration of Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura has been working hard to protect the natural habitat and provide healthy food to increase the number of Bisons. Chief Wildlife Warden of Tripura, RK Samal, shared that recent sightings of calves show that the Bisons are reproducing successfully.

Samal explained that a multi-pronged initiative was undertaken to boost the Bison population. The sanctuary’s habitat was fenced to keep out domesticated animals, and special grass and bamboo were planted to meet the Bisons’ nutritional needs. Additionally, salt and vitamins are given to the animals to help them breed naturally.

In February 2024, a census was conducted, but the report is still pending. However, sightings of four to five new calves have been reported, indicating a positive trend. According to previous surveys, the total Bison population in two sites is 136, with 100 in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and 36 in Bairavnagar Conservation Reserve.

Samal noted that the Bisons in Trishna are taller and darker, while those in Bairavnagar are shorter. He hopes that the Bisons from both areas will mix and produce more calves in the future.