Two-day annual herbivores census in Gir forests.

Last Updated: Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Zee Media Bureau


Ahmedabad: Several forest officials on Tuesday began a two-day annual census on herbivore animals in the Gir National Park and sanctuary.

A total of 19 teams of the officials started fanning out on 19 routes, imaginary divisions identified in the national park and protected forests of Gir to access the exact number of the herbivores.

Each team has 5-6 members, who will travel on foot and vehicles to get an idea of the total number of herbivores in the sanctuary, said DCF (Sasan-Gir) Sandeep Kumar.

“The counting happens two times a day – 6am to 9am and 4.30pm to 7pm,” said Kumar.

The census will cover spotted deer, sambar, langur, blackbucks and four-horned antelopes. “The census will also count peacocks and wild birds, too,” said Kumar.

He also said that the census would not only give an idea of the prey-base in Gir, but also was an important part of monitoring of habitat.

Gir forests have come under limelight following the recent Supreme Court order to shift Asiatic lions found there to Kuno wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.