TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: The Forest Department has assured to conduct research and census of wildlife in a more transparent manner with the involvement of NGOs and students of various institutions from the State.
According to Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Ramesh Gauns Desai, the research and census of wildlife, which will be conducted from April 21 to 26, is held after every four years and earlier, it was conducted in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
“We are involving various school/college students and different NGO members as volunteers to assist the forest officials to conduct the research. Training to the volunteers’ is organised at Hathipal Rescue Centre at the entrance of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary,” informed Gauns Desai.
“The research will be conducted in the protected and non-protected areas of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary having vast forest cover in Canacona taluka, besides Netravalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Sanguem taluka, which are the protected areas for wild animals,” he informed.
“In the census that will be conducted from April 21 to 26, all the herbivorous and carnivorous animals will be accounted. In order to ensure transparency, devoid of any manipulation, the forest department has involved the NGOs and students as volunteers who will work in tandem with the forest officials,” added Gauns Dessai.
Interestingly, the 2010 census had surprised many as five tigers were accounted, while a nominal increase in leopards and wild dogs was noted in the State’s forest cover, added sources.
Government has also invited active participation and cooperation from citizens to conduct the survey.
According to forest sources, the State Forest department officials were trained by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, on the methodology to be adopted to carry out the research of wild animals during their Goa visit in February.
Besides, assessing the animals, their habitat and a study will be conducted to observe whether proper feed is available for herbivorous animals, informed sources.
