In order to conduct a scientific survey of the tiger population this year, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) would soon be issuing photo identity cards to all the tigers of the country.WII scientists have also proposed three new scientific techniques to have a more accurate count of the tigers living in the wild.As per the proposal, the three techniques are namely — computerised pugmarks, camera traps and DNA tests. All the three techniques would be used in the tiger survey starting in the country from January 15.Earlier, forest and wildlife officials had been using physical count as well as pugmark verification to find out the number of the tigers in the wild. However, this technique was not considered reliable.Camera traps to shoot tigers would be set up in the national parks and tigers would be photographed throughout the year using laser technology.Dr Qamar Quereshi, in-charge, Project Tiger, has said the problem with camera traps is that tigers should be photographed from both the sides to have their photo identity.However, each tiger in the country would have a photo identity card which would be kept at the WII. Scientists believe that such efforts would help in more accurate survey and would pin point about the death or any missing tigers.WII scientists would also go in the field to supervise the survey work themselves. They are hopeful to know the near exact number of tigers alive in the country by the year end.
