Experts looking forward to wildlife census in Raj

Jaipur, Apr 21: Encouraged by sighting of seven tiger cubs, wildlife experts in Rajasthan were eagerly awaiting the results of wildlife census in the state to be conducted in May.

In the past few months, there was news of sighting of seven tiger cubs in the Ranthambhore National Park, which indicated an increase in the tiger population.

The news comes as a breather after a report in March 2005 by the Wildlife Institute of India confirmed that there were no tigers left in Sariska, another feline habitat in Rajasthan.

The reports about disappearance of this endangered species caused serious concern.

Tiger expert and member of Rajasthan's tiger cell, Rajpal Singh told UNI the reintroduction of tiger into Sariska is in the process.

He said although two villages Bhagnani and Kankwadi are likely to be shifted by June this year, there is actually no connection between the shifting of villages and reintroduction of tigers as these villages have been there even when the tigers were there.

Admitting that human intervention has to be reduced to the minimum, Mr Singh said the shifting of altogether 28 villages from the core area of Sariska would be a long drawn process.

The tigeress to be reintroduced in Sariska from Ranthambhore will be initially kept in a cage for couple of months and her activities would be monitored as to how she adjusts in her new environment.

Only if she adjusts, will two more tigresses and tigers would be reintroduced in Sariska. These tigers would be fitted with radio collars so that their activities can be monitored.

The census to be conducted between May 2 and 18 will use the waterhole and pugmark methods to count the number of wildlife in these parks. Census results are expected to be out by June.

UNI