Rains effect wildlife census in Sariska, Ranthambore

Jaipur, June 3 (UNI) Pre-monsoon showers in Rajasthan are hampering the wildlife census which began in Sariska and Ranthambore National Park from June 1.

The process of mapping the pugmarks is proving difficult due to the continuous light drizzle and water-logging in the Sariska and Ranthambore forests since the last two days.

The census, which will be on till June 15, is getting hampered as the methods of mapping pugmark, Plaster of Paris and tracking become ineffective in case of continuous rains.

Reports from Alwar say 300 workers have been divided into 75 beats to carry out the census work in Sariska spread over 865 square kms.

But, the census officials are facing difficulty as pugmarks near anicuts and ponds have been washed away due to the rains.

Moreover, with rains having already set in, it is unlikely that animals will go to the ponds to drink water.

There will be question marks over the figures emerging from the census.

Principal Conservator of forest, Abhijit Ghosh admitted the figures emerging from census during the rains will be distorted.

Mr Ghosh told UNI:''Rain drenched soil will be muddy and will easily wash away the marks. Moreover with rains, the carnivores won't come to the water points to drink water which will not reveal the correct figures in the census.'' UNI RRT DKS VV1542