Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: A comprehensive tiger census has begun at the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in the Nilgiri hills of Balasore district, with forest officials launching an extensive survey from Thursday. Acting on the instructions of District Forest Officer (DFO) Prafulla Mallick, a dedicated team from the forest department is covering the entire 272.75 sq km expanse of the sanctuary to gather crucial data on tiger presence and movement.

The census includes systematic identification of pugmarks, collection of scat samples, and close monitoring of waterholes—areas frequented by tigers and other wildlife. Officials are also keeping a watch on dense forest patches, trails, and potential prey zones to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Kuldiha Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, supporting leopards, elephants, and other wildlife species. Last year, a male tiger from Similipal Tiger Reserve was sighted in the sanctuary, raising hopes for its revival as a tiger habitat. Additionally, there have been unconfirmed reports of a tigress with cubs in the area, further heightening the need for accurate population assessment.

The ongoing census aims to determine the exact number of tigers, identify their types, and understand their movement patterns. With concerns rising over the recent disappearance of the male tiger, the findings are expected to offer valuable insights into the sanctuary’s ecological balance and guide future conservation efforts.

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