Forest department completed the annual wildlife census in forest and sanctuary areas in and around Udaipur division. The census started yesterday (10-May) at 10 am and ended today at 10 am. Forest department chose to dates to take advantage of the brightness from the full moon night.

Census was carried out at the water holes. There are a total of 60 water holes in Udaipur region at Sajjangarh(6), Jaisamand(12), Fulwari ki naal(25), Bagdara Nature Park(1), Jawai Leopard Conservation area (16). Besides, counting happened at 182 traditional forest areas in the northern and southern areas of Udaipur division.

Over 500 wildlife officials, wildlife lovers, forest management and security staff participated in the census. T. Mohan Raj, DFO, informed that they are expecting a more accurate count of wildlife this year as the heat during day time has been far more intense than last two years and hence we expect a larger number of spottings.

Trap cameras were put up at select water holes to accurately capture wildlife numbers. 6 cameras were put at water holes in Sajjangarh. This would enable capturing of all animals that come to the waterhole. Further, pugmarks of animals were counted in morning so as to ensure that the animal was correctly counted (in case camera images were not clear).

Last year, Udaipur division reported a count of 62 panthers in the various sanctuaries.