30 teams join 4-day tiger census in Mudumalai reserve

More than 30 teams, comprising of forest department staff and anti-poaching personnel are involved in the four-day tiger count, taking place in Theppakadu, Karkudi, Mudumalai, Nelakottai ranges of the tiger reserve.

A similar census last year revealed the presence of 60 tigers in MTR.

The team would venture into the forest in the morning and evening to detect the presence of tigers using the direct method of sighting and indirect methods such as depending on pug marks, dung and other remains. The teams will also visit water sources, where animals frequent to quench their thirst.

The collected data will be recorded immediately using a mobile application. The census is scheduled to end on May 15 and the collected data will be compiled into a comprehensive report.

Deputy Field Director Shenbagapriya said that volunteers from NGOs weren’t called for the census work this time as the forest department has adequate staff to carry out the count.

“After completion of the census in core areas of MTR, a similar study would be conducted in buffer zones of the reserve, including Masinagudi, Singara, Sigur and Thengumarada,” she said.