Survey for wildlife census over, report is likely soon

GURUGRAM: A field survey for the state wildlife census that was undertaken across Kalesar National Park and the Aravali hills by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the state wildlife department has concluded and the final report is expected soon.
An estimate of major carnivores, ungulates and other herbivores densities was gathered for two major ecosystems — Aravalis and Shivaliks — during the exercise, the wildlife department said, adding that the survey started last year but was delayed due to the oandemic.
“Mainly Kalesar National Park and Aravali hills were covered. Currently, the data is being analysed and the WII is expected to submit the final report soon. For the survey, we had transferred Rs 40 lakh to the WII last year,” state principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Pankaj Goyal told TOI.
According to the state’s chief conservator of wildlife, ML Rajvanshi, the wildlife census included both herbivorous and carnivorous species. “Birds’ census, however, was not included in the survey. We are waiting for the final report from WII.”
The survey was carried out in all protected areas, national parks, sanctuaries as well as the areas outside of the protected areas in Aravallis and Shivaliks. “It focused on the areas where wildlife is dense so that we can prepare a management plan accordingly,” Rajvanshi added. The survey also aims to map the land-cover pattern in the Aravallis with reference to the status of key wildlife species in the region.
A camera-trap survey method, officials said, was used to conduct the census as it helps to obtain accurate figures. In 2017, the WII had last published a wildlife survey report in which it had categorically pointed out that the Aravali belt is a rich leopard habitat. It also stated that the Aravalis in southern Haryana have 166 jackals, in addition to 31 leopards, 26 jungle cats, 91 porcupines, 50 mongoose, 126 hyenas, three wolves, four foxes and 61 civets. Before 2017, a wildlife survey was conducted in the state in 2012.