Sambalpur, Oct 4: In a vibrant celebration of Wildlife Week 2025, Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has launched a 2-km-long ‘Birding Trail’ designed to immerse visitors in the rich avian biodiversity of the region, officials said on Saturday.

The initiative offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts, children, and youth to explore the sanctuary’s diverse habitats and birdlife.

A Trail Through Nature’s Orchestra
The trail meanders through serene nallas, lush grasslands, and dense forest patches, culminating along the Hirakud wetland. According to Hirakud Wildlife Division DFO Anshu Pragyan Das, the route is ideal for spotting both ground-nesting and tree-nesting birds, as well as wading species near the wetland.

Debrigarh Sanctuary hosts over 340 bird species year-round, with more than 110 migratory species gracing the Hirakud Wetland each winter. To enrich the bird-watching experience, officials have installed 42 informative display boards detailing the names, calls, nesting habits, diets, and lifespans of commonly seen birds.

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Learning Through Sight and Sound
Adding an auditory dimension to the trail, a short film has been created featuring various bird vocalisations — including mating, distress, and contact calls — enabling visitors to identify birds by sound. This initiative aims to deepen public awareness of avian life, which remains underappreciated despite birds outnumbering humans globally by a ratio of six to one.

A Step Toward Conservation Awareness
The Birding Trail not only promotes eco-tourism but also serves as an educational platform to foster appreciation for wildlife conservation. Officials hope it will inspire a new generation of bird lovers and environmental stewards.