There has been a 30% increase in the tiger population in India, and there is more good news for wildlife lovers. The population of wildlife animals has increased in the Bhitarkanika National Park in the Kendrapara district as revealed by the latest animal census.
For three consecutive days in November starting from 21 to 23 the counting of wild animals was concluded. The wild animal population has increased, and it was welcome news for the park officials. The number of wild deer has increased from 1,872 to 3,125 while wild boar population increased from 1,213 last year to 1,394 this year.
In the year 2014, according to Rajnagar DFO, Bimal Prasan Acharya, 5,043 wild animals were counted while in 2015 the number has swelled to 6,213.
The Kanika range boasts 3,187 wild animals that include 1,891 deer, 498 boars, 4 Sambars, 28 jackals, 37 seals, 3 cheetahs, three porcupines, eight wild boars and 711 monkeys.
The Rajnagar range has 2,057 wild animals. This population includes 1,051 deer, 647 boars, 285 monkeys, 64 jackals, 23 wild cat, 18 seal, and four mongooses.
The Gahirmatha Marine Range contains nine deer, 51 wild boars, 15 monkeys, 19 small monkeys, 11 jackal, and 50 seals.
Wild animals have been counted in the Mahakalpada and Kujang ranges also.
Forest officials informed that the Sambar deer is exclusive to Bhitarkanika while Wildcat, Cheetah, porcupine, has been seen only in Kanika range.
The animal census was done for the first time last year in Bhitarkanika. There has been controversy about the actual number of wild animals. Locals contend that the wild boar and deer population were in thousands and environmentalists, and animal welfare activists are questioning how the forest officials are quoting such low numbers for these animals.
The onset of winter will see migratory birds arriving in the Bhitarkanika National Park. Birds have already started arriving, and the number will increase in the coming days. The nature park boasts some water inlets and swamps that attract these birds.
