Tiger census begins in Kaziranga National Park

Guwahati:  Tiger census has begun in all the four forest ranges of the world famous Kaziranga National Park and is expected to be completed within 45 days. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh to conduct the census in the Park which is being conducted in Kohora, Bagori, Agoratoli and Burhapahar ranges, Park Director Surajit Dutta said today. Camera trapping method will be used to conduct the census.Over hundred cameras have already been installed and if required, more cameras would be installed, he said. [caption id=“attachment_225256” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Assam had the highest number of tigers - 143, Mizoram - five, Arunachal Pradesh was not included in the census operation.”]  [/caption] A wildlife research official of the forest department will supervise the operation in all the forest ranges while two biodiversity conservation societies along with a group of wildlife researchers would complete the project within the stipulated time, Dutta added. According to the national tiger census of 2010, the North East, covering the hilly states, Brahmaputra floodplains and the northern part of West Bengal, is home to an estimated 148 tigers with the upper and lower limits hovering between 178 and 118 respectively. Of this, while Assam had the highest number of tigers - 143, Mizoram - five, Arunachal Pradesh was not included in the census operation.

PTI