‘Maoist threat not to affect tiger census’

Kozhikode: Amid reports of widespread Maoist threat in the Western Ghat region in Malabar, the Forest department is going ahead with the tiger census from December 15 to 23.

Denying rumors that the census was being postponed following increased Maoist sightings in the region, Divisional forest officer Nilambur (South), James Mathew, told Deccan Chronicle that rumours of rescheduling were part of scare-mongering by vested interests. He also had not noticed any tension in the region.

Explaining the procedure, Mathew said census would be carried out after demarcating the forest into blocks. Nilambur south range will be split into 21 blocks.

A three-member team- two staffers and a watchman- will survey each block. Based on the number of pugmarks, the number of tigers in each block will be determined. Pugmarks are followed until a clear imprint is traced and taking into account around 18 parameters to determine the individuality of a pugmark.

The impression of the pugmark is taken using liquid ‘plaster of Paris’. Previous census had confirmed the presence of tigers in Munderi, Urikayam, Vellarimala, Nedumkayam, Karulayi, Kakkadampoyil and Achanala regions.