In a significant move for wildlife conservation, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district has officially commenced its annual tiger census. This extensive exercise will span the next 90 days and involves the strategic deployment of 400 all-weather, night-vision camera traps across the reserve's sprawling 898 square kilometer area.
High-Tech Tracking for Scientific Data
Forest department officials stated that the cameras have been positioned strategically to gather precise and scientific data on the population of big cats. The primary goal is to monitor tiger activity continuously and obtain an accurate count. Neshamani K, the West Champaran forest conservator-cum-director, emphasized that this technological deployment is crucial for modern wildlife management.
The official further explained that the census is not just about counting tigers. A key component of this year's survey is to evaluate the availability of prey within the reserve. "An attempt will be made to assess whether there is sufficient food for tigers in VTR," Neshamani K said. The camera traps will also document the presence and density of herbivores like deer and wild boar, which form the primary diet for the predators.
Beyond Counting: Assessing the Ecosystem's Health
This holistic approach aims to determine if the forest habitat provides adequate sustenance for its tiger population, offering insights into the overall health of the ecosystem. To streamline the massive data analysis from hundreds of cameras, the forest department has developed a dedicated mobile application. This app will help officials efficiently process the visual data captured over the three-month period.
The last major tiger census conducted in the reserve was in 2022, which recorded 54 tigers. While a comprehensive national tiger census is typically held once every four years, reserves like VTR supplement it with annual, area-specific surveys and observations. This continuous monitoring helps in tracking population trends, understanding movement patterns, and formulating better conservation strategies.
A Critical Effort for Conservation
The launch of this 90-day census underscores the ongoing commitment to protect one of India's most iconic endangered species. The data collected will be vital for future conservation planning and ensuring the long-term survival of tigers in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The success of such initiatives is paramount for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in the region.
