Amid claims of delay, wildlife census soon

Wildlife activists said the survey should be conducted at the appropriate time to arrive at an accurate number of wild animals to ascertain whether the count of the animals have increased or decreased. 

However, Forest Department officials claimed they will soon direct the District Forest Officers (DFOs) to prepare for conducting the wildlife census. A member of the Tamil Nadu State Board for Wildlife, said, “The Forest Department would every year conduct the wildlife census between February and March, as animals would forage for water due to rising temperatures. Given such a condition, chances would be high for the officials to identify the animals and document the same.”  

The official also noted that since there might be rain during May and June, conducting a census then would be futile. 

Wildlife activists said the Forest Department undertake the census at least by March-end. Vijay Krishnaraj, former secretary, Nilgiris Wildlife and Environment Association, said, “If the survey is conducted on time, officials can make plans to save the animals based on the count. Since this is a routine census, there should be no further delay.” 

S Ramasubramanian, Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore Circle, which accounts for more animals, said, “We are not delaying the census and are gearing up to conduct it soon.”