Lion Census at Gir sanctuary from April 22

03-04-2010
Lion Census at Gir sanctuary from April 22
DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_lion-census-at-gir-sanctuary-from-april-22_1366884

The forest department will be conducting a Lion Census in the Gir sanctuary from April 22, a top official from the Gujarat government said today.

"The Census at Gir, housing Asiatic Lions will be done from April 22-25. This time it will be conducted in a more scientific manner. In the past it was based on pugmarks," Sudeep Kumar Nanda, Additional Chief Secretary (Forest and Environment) told PTI.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Pradeep Kumar Khanna said the forest department will be using GPS system and the counting will take place on the direct sight of lions following Gujarat government's statement on March 26 in the Assembly that 116 lions died in Gir between January 2007-2010.

About 1,200 persons will be deployed for this exercise after providing them with training in this regard, he said.

About 359 lions were counted in Gir during 2005 census which also covered Girnar hills, coastal areas, Bhavnagar and other parts outside the 1412 sq km sanctuary, Nanda said.