Wildlife census postponed in Rajasthan

Jaipur, June 10 (UNI) The wildlife census in Rajasthan's national parks and sanctuaries has been postponed.

In an order issued by Principal Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden, the census which began on June 1, has been postponed due to sudden showers which lashed the state in the past few days.

The census methodology, involving pugmark tracking and waterhole method, was affected due to the rain-drenched soil. Moreover, with rains filling up small water bodies and ponds in the forest, the carnivores' visit to major ponds to quench their thirst, became rare. As such, the census officials were facing difficulty in keeping track of the wildlife in the forest.

According to official sources, the census was put off on receiving adverse reports from Sariska, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Bundi, Baran and Dungarpur forests.

The reports said the unseasonal rains made tracking pugmarks difficult. Moreover, figures emerging from such a census would not be correct, say officials.

UNI RRT PR RK1326