Posted: Sunday , Feb 14, 2010 at 0224 hrs
In a first, the state Forest Department will be using Geographical Information System (GIS) for census of Asiatic lions in the Gir Forest National Park from April 25 to 30. Unlike in earlier methods, the department will not be using baits for the census this time.
Nearly 450 beat guards have been identified as enumerators for the upcoming census.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Pradeep Khanna said, “We are opting for GIS mapping to prevent redundancy and bring in more accuracy in counting.”
According to Khanna, in the last census, a total of approximately 360 lions were reported at the Gir sanctuary.
“We will not use baits this year. We have not used the system for two consecutive terms. We have trained our staff to follow simply the sighting system,” he said.
The preliminary survey for probable locations of sighting lions has already begun at the sanctuary.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Forest-dept-to-employ-GIS-for-Asiatic-lion-census/579451
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