The tiger census is underway in Similipal National Park, spread over 2,750 square/km area in Mayurbhanj district, in four phases. The tiger census is also being conducted across Odisha.
The big cat survey through camera traps in Similipal will start on November 23, 2023 and will end on January 18, 2024.
As per reports, the tiger count that kicked off on October 18 will conclude on January 20, 2024. The exercise is currently being undertaken by trained forest officials in 209 beats under 19 forest ranges of Similipal. As many as 209 teams have been engaged in the survey.
The authorities have decided to conduct the survey in segments. A sign survey was carried out from October 18 to 20 during which team members collected various sign data like pugmarks, scats, and direct sightings.
Besides, counting of vultures, birds of prey, and other bird species will be conducted on October 29. The counting of tigers through camera traps will commence on November 23 and continue till January 18, 2024, while the team that will conduct this survey will be monitored by range officers, assistant conservators of forests (ACsFs), and deputy directors of the Similipal Tiger Reserve to ensure exact enumeration of the big cat presence in the sanctuary, sources said.
Speaking to the media, Similipal ranger Ghasinath Patra said, “Tiger census is being conducted in four phases in Similipal area. In the transact line survey, team members are going inside the forests and surveying plants, trees, and other fauna.”
Deputy ranger Umakant Behera said, “Earlier we were covering a 5 sq/km-area to survey the carnivores living in the area. On the third day on Friday, we are undertaking a transact line survey – vegetation and herbivore survey.”
He exuded hope that the number during the tiger survey will increase.