Professionals participating in elephant survey expected to work out more effective ways of collecting data than old-fashioned methods that rely solely on inputs from forest guards.
Professionals participating in elephant survey expected to work out more effective ways of collecting data than old-fashioned methods that rely solely on inputs from forest guards. |
| the Big Thrill: (Left) Dr Kiran Kumar, along with an associate, is looking forward to watching the pachyderms in their habitat |
Over 100 techies across the state will partner with 30 doctors in the Karnataka government's elephant census, which begins on Friday, at Bandipur National Park. This is the first time such a large number of professionals who are not government employees have been roped in to help with the census. As the counting is done once in three years, forest officials are using the latest techniques to ensure the numbers are accurate.
Bandipur is situated between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and has a 900-sq-km area. Karnataka government is trying to protect these giant animals.
While the state government would only allow forest employees to participate in the census, the rules have been relaxed to allow qualified professionals who are interested to take part. Techies and doctors with past experience in wildlife have been preferred.
Forest officials will train them to divide the area and count the elephants.u00a0
u00a0Deputy Conservator of Forest Hanamantappa said the professionals participating in the census would benefit from a unique symbiotic relationship.
"We teach them about wildlife and the census. In turn, they will enjoy being surrounded by wildlife and experience the thrills and challenges of being in a forest. While doctors will help us understand if the animals are getting the right nutrients, the techies will post content on the importance of wildlife on the Internet. This will help us in our ongoing efforts to protect our fauna."
Great excitement Dr Kiran Kumar (28), a general practitioner , said he was looking forward to the census. "I have a lot of enthusiasm for wildlife. I am looking forward to watching the giant animals in their habitat. This is my contribution to the efforts of forest officials who are trying to protect habitat of the elephant."
Srijith J (31), a techie from HCL, said, "Allowing members of the public to volunteer in the census will help us get more accurate numbers. The information provided by forest guards may not be accurate at times. This is the very first time that private employees are doing their bit to help in counting elephants in a national park."
