Bhubaneswar, Dec 16: The tiger census has officially commenced in the Koraput forest range, marking a crucial step in Odisha’s ongoing wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, will continue until December 21 and covers ten identified locations within the range.

According to sources in the forest department, ten dedicated teams have been formed and deployed across ten strategic areas to conduct the census in a systematic manner. The operation is being carried out in forest pockets including Dongri, Ranigad, Koraput-1, Koraput Sadar, Magara and several other adjoining zones known for wildlife movement.

The census is being undertaken with the active participation of foresters, forest guards and members of the Vana Surakshya Samiti (VSS), highlighting strong coordination between the forest department and local community groups. Officials said the teams will track signs such as pugmarks, scat and other indicators to assess tiger presence and movement in the region.

Forest authorities noted that the data collected during the census will play a vital role in evaluating the tiger population in Koraput district. The findings will also help in strengthening protection measures, identifying critical habitats and planning future conservation strategies to ensure long-term survival of tigers in the forest landscape.

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