Deer census commences in Chennai

Chennai, Mar 14 (ANI): The Guindy National Park (GNP) authorities, along with few voluntary organisations and college students started its annual deer census here on Saturday.

A total of 11 teams were formed with each team having 4 members for conducting the census at the particular allotted area.

The last deer census conducted by wildlife officials at the GNP, Raj Bhavan and on IIT campus's had proved an increase in deer population.

In 2008, the population of the spotted deer was 1200.

Apart from this, 382 black buck deer were also found in the GNP and Raj Bhavan area.

In the 1998 census, the blackbuck population stood at 170, and in 1999 it rose to 200. In the succeeding year, 350 black bucks were found in all the three habitats.

"There are many deer present over here to mention. It is estimated approximately 3000 deer present in the park. This year we have started to calculate. Tomorrow there is one more session. It is very interesting and good," said durai, a college student.

S. Subramanium, Superintendent of the Guindy National Park said such census helps the management and conservation of endangered species.

"This figures helps the management of the national park to find the carrying capacity of the national park as well as Rajbhavan area. And to find out ex-ratio and the mortality figure, help in the effective management of the wild life and conservation of endangered species," said Subramanium.

Spread over an area of 2.82 square kilometers, the Guindy Park is considered the breathing lungs of the city and boasts of a small population of barking deer, spotted deer and black bucks.he park, set up in 1958, also has an enclosure for around 500 animals, which are a big attraction for the visitors.

There is also a children's park, which organizes eco-camps for school kids.Despite the small area of the park, the biodiversity is amazing. The vegetation is mostly tropical dry green type and over 350 species of plants are found including trees, climbers, herbs, shrubs and grasses. (ANI)