JOIN USBiologists to hold II phase of Tiger census
Biologists will conduct camera trap and DNA tests to ascertain and collect accurate details on the presence of Tigers, at the spots were the team of forest officials and volunteers have found traces of Tigers.
Biologists from Wildlife Conservation Society of India, Centre for Wildlife Studies and National Centre for Biological Science will take part in the process. Centre for Wildlife Studies Director Dr K Ullas Karanth has informed that all details of the Tigers will be collected with the help of the camera trapping and DNA tests of the sample of feces collected during the first phase.
One camera trapping location will be made for very 5 sq kms in Bhadra Nagarahole, Bandipur and Dandeli reserve forest in areas were the teams saw pugmarks of the tigers.
DNA sample collection and analysis is inevitable in those areas where population of Tiger is less but pugmarks and other signs of presence of tiger have been found.
Wildlife Expert Chellam says that DNA analysis is a must in Kudremukh National Park area. Deputy Conservator of Forest Vijay Mohan Raj said that the movement of tigers have been traced in all the 37 beats in Bhadra Reserve Forest area. The next phase of census will be started on February 10.
Experts from Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biological Study, Hyderabad will be arriving at the district soon, he said and added Bisons are the main food for the Tigers in Bhadra Reserve Forest area apart from antelopes etc. In about 6 beats, the teams found pugmarks of about 10 wild dogs and over 60 elephants.