Census process for deer,leopards and vultures begins today

Like lions,animals like bear and leopard are equally important,said officials in the state Forest department.

“The number of man-animal conflicts which have been reported in the last few years has direct relation with the number of leopards. The leopards are not getting enough attention as they survive even in odd conditions. The authorities do not realise that the growing number of leopards has also resulted into man-animal conflicts across the state and more in south Gujarat,” said a senior IFS officer posted in south Gujarat.

Meanwhile,the Forest department in Chhota Udepur is all set to conduct the bear census. “We have roped in the staff and also included the NGOs for the census. After the deer census,the process for census of wild animals including leopards and bears will be on May 26 and May 27. We have also included local villagers in the exercise because they also have good knowledge about the region and animals’ habitat,” said Ajay Jain,Deputy Conservator of Forests,Chhota Udepur. The preparation for the census is,however,slow in south Gujarat where the number of man-animal conflicts has increased.

“The census was not undertaken in 2006 and there was no confirmed figure about leopard population. This has happened despite the region being one of the most sensitive areas as far as leopard attacks are concerned. While the number of animals has evidently increased the census will confirm it officially. The Forest department,however,has not intimated anything to us,” said an animal activist from Surat.