Rhino, bison census conducted in West Bengal

Jalpaiguri, (West Bengal), Feb 27 (ANI): A two-day wildlife census of the One-Horned Rhinoceros and Indian Bison recently began in West Bengal.

Forest officials began 2010 census at Jalpaiguri Wildlife Division-II.

The West Bengal Forest Department, with the aid of 23 non-governmental organisations dealing with wildlife conducted the census.

The team surveyed the region for two days in search of the rhino and Indian Bison, species for which the region is noted.

The survey is being conducted through the forestlands of Gorumara and Chapramari.

"We haven't yet received the statistics of the total number of bison. But what I have heard from the groups, some are saying that they are about 40, some are saying 50. We can't see all the bison together but we hope they are in good numbers," said Tapas Das, District Forest Officer.

Last time when the census was carried out, the picture showed a good number of the animals living in this part of the region. According to the forest officials, the number is likely to increase this year.

"We have the statistics of the rhinoceros. In the last census, they were 31 in number. They gave birth to more rhinos after that. I feel there might be 35-36 of them now. We will come to know the exact number after the results," Das added.

The Duars region of the Jalpaiguri district of the state is noted for a variety of wild of which the One-Horn Rhino and the Indian Bison are claimed to be rare varieties. (ANI)