Mysuru: The tiger census began at the Nagarahole National Park on November 15. Only forest department staff will be involved in the 45-day exercise and 176 cameras will be employed to get the exact tiger count.
The entire forest reserve has been split into three zones namely Antarasanthe, Metikuppe and D B Kuppe for the census. Around 18 cameras have been placed at 25 locations in Anatarasanthe zone, whereas in Metikuppe zone, their count goes upto 50 at 25 different locations. D B Kuppe with 88 cameras at 44 strategic points makes up for the rest.
The forest department has not employed volunteers this time, instead have trained their own staff for the 45-day long exercise. During the last survey, cameras traced 72 tigers in total in 675 sq km area. With possibilities of finding one tiger for every 10 sq km, the officials are confident of finding around 68 tigers this time. The total count may vary by 5, considering the birth of new tiger cubs and death of aged ones, revealed forest department sources.
