STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In a first of its kind in cities in India, the State Environment and Forest Department has planned to conduct a leopard census in Guwahati.
The North Kamrup Forest Division conducted a leopard census in Sila Reserve Forest as a pilot project. The forest division installed cameras in the reserve forest with guidance from the Forest Department. The census found 13 leopards in the Sila Reserve Forest and nearby areas. They also found the populations of some other wild animals of the Sila Reserve Forest. The leopard census in entire Guwahati will go in line with the census conducted in the Sila Reserve Forest. This census will need more cameras and officials.
The purpose is to create a baseline database of leopards in Guwahati. Such a database will be handy in future leopard management plans. Man-animal conflict rising alarmingly in the state and the city, and the Forest Department feels the need for such a database. It can help the department in its plans to tackle man-animal conflicts.
When asked about the census, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force MK Yadava said, "Yes, we are planning for a leopard census in Guwahati, maybe, from September this year. The leopard data of the city will help us in future leopard management plans, etc."
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