Odisha uses mobile app for counting tigers in Chandaka forest

Bhubaneswar: For the first time ever the tiger census is being conducted through mobile application (app) along with traditional process for accurate counting of wildlife in Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary on city’s outskirt here.

An advanced technology is being used for accurate results of the tiger census. The counting is carried out through a mobile app in Chandaka forest, said the forest department.

The first phase of tiger census, which commenced at Chandaka Sanctuary from Feb 16, has concluded. The second phase began on Feb 19 and will continue till Feb 21.

Total 33 units have been formed for counting of tigers at Chandaka forest this year. Each unit consists of three forest employees. The employees assigned for the census counted the tigers using various processes. A mobile app has been developed for accurate counting of tigers this year, said Chandaka DFO Kedar Kumar Swain.

The photos of all possible locations are being taken through the mobile app. As per traditional process, the sand has been spread on the ground and the footprints of the tigers are recorded through plaster of paris. Along with the tigers, the census of other animals residing in the forest is also being carried out simultaneously. Even the varieties of plants and grass growing inside the forest are also being recorded through the new technology, sources in the forest department said.