30 trap cameras for third phase of tiger count

Dehradun, Nov 19 (UNI) With 30 trap cameras fixed in different places of Rajaji National Park, the third and final phase of tiger counting under Project Tiger-special drive, is being conducted under the supervision of the Wild Life Institute of India (WII) experts, Park Director G S Pandey said today.

''The primary report of the counting would be available by December,'' Mr Pandey said.

Claiming that the number of tigers in the park had increased, he said according to the May 2005 census, 24 tigers, 214 elephants and 214 leopards were found in the park.

Earlier, the tiger count was conducted based on their foot prints. However, as there was the possibility of foot prints getting washed away, it was difficult to get the approximate estimate, he said, maintaining that the trap cameras would provide the exact numbers to some extent.

Mr Pandey informed that the WII experts, after completing the counting of tigers and other animals in Jim Corbett Park, would come to Rajaji National Park.

He said, the ongoing strike of forest workers would in no way hamper the counting work.

The workers have been on a strike since the last 4 days demanding a restructuring of the forest department and in a protest, have locked many of the entrances of Rajaji National Park and Corbett Park.

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