Coimbatore: The Forest Department, Coimbatore Circle, in association with the Wildlife Trust of India and Osai conducted a two day census in Coimbatore Division spread over 693 sq km in six forest ranges.

District Forest Officer I. Anwardeen said the objective of the census was to assess the wildlife population, habitat usage and sighting pattern. The data compiled would help in comparison of the wildlife population with the previous data base. The data generated would be of immense help in evolving future forest, wildlife and habitat management policies, Mr. Anwardeen said.

On Saturday, the census carried out by 130 volunteers in various trek routes was guided by Ramesh, Kalidas and Ganesh and Wildlife Biologist Kannan.

The volunteers were deployed in 44 blocks whereas on Sunday the census was based on sighting wildlife in water holes. For the carnivore population, the volunteers resorted to indirect evidences such as wildlife excreta, pug marks and various other indirect evidences. The water hole count outside the forest areas was also done in water bodies around the city in a bid to take stock of the birds visiting these water bodies.

Courtesy - Hindu