Kendrapara: Forest officials of Rajnagar wildlife division will conduct an annual census of the mammals inhabiting the mangrove cover and wetland sites of Bhitarkanika National Park under Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district from today, reports said.
The census starting from November 23 will continue for three days till November 25. The forest officials will make an headcount of the of the mammals like deer, wild boars, hyenas, porcupines, sambhars, fishing cats, langurs, monkeys, hares residing in the wildlife sanctuary.
This was stated by additional conservator of forests Subrat Patra to mediapersons here Wednesday. The enumeration of spotted deer, wild boars and hyenas have been undertaken to assess the numerical growth pattern of these animals living within the marshy wetland and mangroves of this Ramsar international site, officials said adding the enumerators are carrying out the headcount on the basis of the distinct footmarks of deer, boar and hyenas.
The enumeration drive will be carried out in the sanctuary, Gahiramatha marine sanctuary, mangrove forests, casuarina forests open grounds and water bodies in the reserve forest.
The officials expected the number to be on a rise by indications of the conducive environment and availability of plentiful of food reserve in Bhitarkanika. Moreover, the rich and lush-green mangrove forest has turned out to be a favourable factor as it provides an ideal habitat.
On the other hand, lack of human interference in their habitation corridors has been conducive their rising numbers.
The forest officials will also carry out the enumeration eight species of poisonous snakes including the King Cobra in the sanctuary. This census of the mammals is being carried out since last three years, he added.
Reports suggested that the forest officials might put a ban on the entry of tourists to the National Park till the census is completed.
“Human activities will come in the way of meticulous census. That’s why the curb on tourist footfall will be imposed,” an official said.
PNN
