Boudh, May 22: In a significant effort to monitor and protect the region’s wildlife, tiger census activities have commenced in the Kusanga Range of Boudh district, which falls under the Nayagarh-Mahanadi Wildlife Division. The initiative aims to assess the tiger population and their habitat conditions, contributing valuable data for future conservation strategies.

The census covers 11 forest beats across Kusanga, Sripaju, and Sheetalapani sections, using 165 Pug Impression Pads (PIPs) strategically placed near riverbanks, streams, and plains to record tiger footprints. The methodology also incorporates trap cameras, transect line surveys spanning two kilometers with data points every 400 meters, and collection of scat and hair samples for further analysis.

A total of 33 forest personnel have been deployed for the exercise, with each team comprising three officials responsible for recording observations and collecting samples. In addition to tracking tigers, the census also extends to other carnivorous wildlife species, including wild bears, jungle cats, and elusive predators such as the Indian leopard and striped hyena.

By gathering essential data on both tiger and other carnivorous species, the initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing wildlife conservation efforts in Odisha. The findings from this census will contribute to ongoing efforts to safeguard habitats, manage ecosystems, and ensure the survival of endangered species in the region.

Officials and conservationists are hopeful that this meticulous assessment will provide deeper insights into the health of the tiger population, guiding future conservation initiatives aimed at protecting these majestic big cats and their ecosystems.

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