In a landmark moment for wildlife conservation in Assam, a Royal Bengal Tiger has been recorded for the first time in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, raising fresh hopes for the revival of the big cat in one of the state’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes. The historic sighting was made at Salibari in the Kundaghat area of the park, which falls under the Tinsukia Wildlife Division. Confirming the development, Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said in a post on X that Dibru–Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve has created history with its first-ever recorded sighting of a Royal Bengal Tiger.
Forest officials said the presence of the tiger was confirmed through camera-trap evidence. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Tinsukia Wildlife Division, Bibison Tokbi, said the first photographic evidence was captured on December 14, 2025, followed by another confirmation on January 1, 2026. “For the past month, a joint team of the forest department and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been conducting camera trapping inside the park. Around 60 camera traps were installed, and the tiger was recorded on two occasions,” Tokbi said.
He added that this marks the first confirmed photographic record of a Royal Bengal Tiger in Dibru-Saikhowa since it was notified as a National Park. “There were claims in the past about the presence of tigers in Dibru-Saikhowa, but no scientific or photographic evidence was available. This is the first time the species has been officially documented here,” the DFO said, acknowledging the logistical support provided by WTI. The sighting has generated excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and local residents. Nature enthusiast Devojit Moran described the development as encouraging. “This is wonderful news for nature lovers. We are happy to know that the Royal Bengal Tiger has returned to Dibru-Saikhowa,” he said.
Local resident and conservation enthusiast Niranta Gohain recalled the park’s history. “Earlier records suggest that Dibru-Saikhowa had around 27 tigers in 1997, but over time they disappeared. This sighting gives hope that the habitat can once again support the species,” he said. Conservationists say the development highlights the ecological importance of Dibru-Saikhowa and underscores the need for sustained protection, scientific monitoring and habitat restoration in one of Assam’s most fragile riverine