Ranthmabhore, Sariska wildlife census from June 1

Jaipur, May 22 (UNI) The Ranthambhore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve will begin its wildlife census from June 1 this year.

According to forest department officials, the census would continue till June 15 and would use two techniques pugmark and water hole to get the exact figures.

Tourists entry to the parks would be restricted during the morning hours when the census is on.

The census assumes importance in the light of the dwindling tiger population in the parks.

A Wildlife Institute of India report of March 2005 had said there were no tigers left in Sariska Tiger reserve while another state government report had indicated an alarming decrease in the number of tigers from 46 in 2003-04 to 26.

Wildlife experts say the reasons behind the declining tiger population are intense poaching dwindling prey base and over-used habitat.

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