Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati   

All set for wildlife census on Seshachalam hills

TIRUPATI: Decks have been cleared for the conduct of the biennial wildlife census in the protected forests of the Seshachalam hill ranges.

The animal headcount will be undertaken in the protected area covered under the Sri Venkateswara National Park, SV Wildlife Sanctuary and Sri Penusila Narasimha Sanctuary, spread across Chittoor and Kadapa districts. The thick forests are known for their dense foliage and hence considered a pleasant habitat for wild animals. It is said to be in the Kadapa forest that the last Cheetah was sighted, before its extinction in India.

The entire area is divided into Tirupati and Rajampet Wildlife Divisions for convenience and accessibility. After an introductory workshop on Friday to throw light among the stakeholders on the guidelines to be followed, the forest department is starting the week-long programme on May 29. The actual census will be taken up on the last two days, after the preliminary recce survey for four to five days. As per the previous census held in 2009, the area had 57 sloth bears, 23 panthers/leopards, 150 wild dogs/dholes, 16 wolves, 12 jackals, 4 foxes, while the guards could not find any trace of tigers, wild cats, wild pigs or hyenas.

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