Tiger census will be undertaken from January 18 in Andhra Pradesh. An estimated 4,000 volunteers and forest staff will be engaged for the study being undertaken under the supervision of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India. During the first phase, the volunteers drawn from various recognised NGOs will undergo sensitisation programme and conduct a preliminary study from January 18 to 25. Data will be analysed during the second phase. And, during the third phase, camera traps installed at various places with infrared lights will collect pictures.
Tiger reserves will be surveyed during the last phase. The entire process will take a year. Asked to comment on their expectation, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) A.V. Joseph, who was on a visit to the zoo on Sunday, told The Hindu that they were not expecting any increase in the number of tigers due to “disturbances” in the forests.
