BALASORE: Amidst the controversy over tiger population in Similipal, the forest authorities are gearing up for a week-long sign survey of wild animals in Similipal-Kuldiha corridor that passes through Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts.
The sign survey of preys and predators would be conducted in the forest areas connecting Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) with Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary from April 27 to May 3. The survey will help officials ascertain the migratory movement of wild animals across the corridor.
Sources said altogether 15 transit lines have been formed along the corridor, a major part of which falls in Mayurbhanj district. The survey will be conducted to keep a close watch on the movement of wild animals in the connecting path.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Subhendra Bhuyan said the aim and objective of the survey is to have a rough estimate of the wildlife population in the corridor and know their migration pattern.
During the survey, the forest officials will take samples of dung, urine, pugmarks, scat, scrap and other things to identify the particular animal. Voices of wild animals will also be recorded form early morning to late evening.
On Friday, an orientation camp was organised at Nilagiri office to impart training to forest staff on the process of sign survey and direct spotting of wild animals.
Kuldiha Ranger Rabindra Kumar Mohapatra said the length of the corridor in Balasore portion is about 9.5 km which has five transit lines.
“We will put up pug impression pad (PIP), each of two metre wide, along the corridor to ascertain the species of animals. The survey would cover both carnivorous and herbivorous animals,” he said.
Sources also informed that apart from Kuldiha-Similipal corridor, the survey would be conducted in Hadgarh-Similipal corridor in Anandpur Forest Division of Keonjhar district. Steps would be initiated to develop vegetation along both the corridors for smooth movement of wild animals.
Deputy Director of STR Ajit Kumar Satpathy said the survey is part of regular monitoring of wild animals in the Similipal Biosphere which includes both the corridors apart from the tiger reserve.
“Over 300 units of forest officials will be pressed into service to conduct the survey which is expected to be completed by May 3,” he added.