Jumbo census begins at Nagarahole, Bandipur reserves

Forest department personnel to conclude survey by May 19

Around 150 volunteers including 30 women and more than 500 Forest department personnel participated in the jumbo census that began at Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserve on Tuesday. The teams reached 176 beat forest range along with the Forest department personnel. Each beat comprises a team of one volunteer and five personnel who will be on their toes counting the pachyderms from 6.30 am on Wednesday.

On Day One, the enumerators counted elephants that were spotted and on the second day they will look for dung found in the forest for enumeration. On the third day, census will be conducted near water sources. All the details collected would be analysed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in New Delhi which would finally announce the count.

The enumerators will stay overnight at a camp set up by the Forest department. All precautionary measures have been taken by the department for the smooth conduct of the survey. Food, water and medicines have been kept ready in case of emergency. Ambulances have also been stationed at several points, said BRT Chief Conservator of Forests Hiralal.

As Global Positioning System (GPS) is being used for the jumbo census this time, the statistics available will be almost precise,  Hiralal said. He said all efforts will be made to find the exact number of male and female jumbos in the region. The census will conclude on May 19.