Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: The much-anticipated tiger census has commenced at Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary, with forest officials beginning the large-scale deployment of camera traps to monitor the movement and population of big cats in the reserve. The exercise is a key step in strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in one of Odisha’s most important protected areas.

According to forest authorities, nearly 700 camera traps are being installed in a phased manner at around 1,300 strategic locations across the sanctuary. The operation covers an extensive area of about 2,750 square kilometres. Officials said the cameras are being positioned along forest paths, water sources, and corridors frequently used by tigers to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection.

A forest official stated that the census is being carried out mainly in dense forest zones where pugmarks, scratch marks, and other signs of tiger movement have been recorded. Besides tigers, the camera traps are expected to capture images of several other wild species, offering valuable insights into Similipal’s overall biodiversity.

The installation process will continue over the next few weeks. Forest officials said the data generated from the census will help track tiger numbers, identify movement patterns, and support long-term conservation and habitat management strategies at Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary.

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