Lion census: 200 cameras to scan Gir

21-04-2010
Lion census: 200 cameras to scan Gir
DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_lion-census-200-cameras-to-scan-gir_1373800

The 13th Asiatic Lion Population Estimates 2010 will begin on April 24 in Greater Gir Sanctuary, which includes Gir National Park and Sanctuary. The area is spread in four districts — Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Porbandar.

Principal sectary forest and environment department SK Nanda informed the media on Tuesday that the population estimate this time will be different from the earlier exercises. "For the first time, we are using 100 GPS equipment, 200 cameras and 100 special camera teams for making an accurate documentation of the lions and keeping the exercise error free. Another first is that the exercise will also incorporate Greater Gir," Nanda said and added that the many non-forest staff as ex-government officials, doctors, journalists, nature lovers would participate in the exercise.

"We have identified 450 locations in the Greater Gir area where enumerators will take estimate of the lions," he said.

Giving details of schedule, Pradeep Khanna, PCCF, Gujarat, said the exercise will start on April 24 and continue till April 27.The findings will be announced on April 29. "About 1,600 people will take part in the survey, out of which 100 will be volunteers," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, senior IFS officer RV Asari, the nodal officer for the survey, said, in order to make a comprehensive survey, the Greater Gir area has been divided into seven regions, 28 zones and 100 sub-zones.