The three-day synchronized ‘Elephant Census – 2012’, which got off to a start on Tuesday, has reportedly registered a downtrend in elephant numbers in the State compared to the last census, according to initial estimates. The reason was mainly attributed to long dry spells the region has seen and forest fires that took way a major source of fodder for the elephants. Though the exact count is yet to be ascertained, the general view of the enumerators is that the number would be less and this fact is even acknowledged by the officials. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Deepak Sharma said that once the three-day census is over, the figures will be compiled and sent to New Delhi for analysis.
The census on Tuesday also coincides with elephant counting in six other states in South India.Mr Ajai Mishra, CCF, Project Elephant, told Deccan Chronicle that a few herds of elephants sheltering in Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, which usually record highest density of elephant population in the country and are part of eco-sensitive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, might have moved to Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu.
“During the last census, Karnataka registered elephant population range of 5,600 to 5,900, which was a record. This year, we may sight less due to multiple factors. However, a final conclusion can be drawn only after getting the exact count”. On Tuesday, census was conducted in 59 of the total 105 blocks, by 180 enumerators including forest personnel and people from NGOs in Bandipur National Park by block count method. In Nagarhole, the census was conducted in about 50 blocks with the help of 140 personnel.
Mr Kumar Pushkar, Director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, said the census activity was carried out smoothly. On the density of elephants, he said that census units has good sighting and the date will be released on Wednesday.