Tag: Census

The Forest Department would only estimate the population of large mammals. Enthusiasts from the Wynter Blyth Association were roped in to count the different species of butterflies inhabiting the Gudalur region. Among the 56 different species of butterflies that were spotted during the exercise were “rarities” such as the Pygmy scrub hopper (Aeromachus pygmaeus), Hampson’s hedge hopper (Baracus hampsoni), Medus brown (Orsotriaena medus), the commander (Moduza procris) and the peacock royal (Tajuria cippus). Manoj Sethumadhavan, a trustee from the Wynter Blyth Association, said they had also noted the migration of the common emigrant (Catopsilia Pomona), while they were undertaking the census.

Odisha’s recent annual census of dolphins in its waters have thrown up some shocking numbers, with the aquatic mammals’ population declining from 307 in 2018 to 126. The census was carried out by the state’s forest and environment department on January 19 this year. The census report was released on February 14. The census covered important aquatic ecosystems in the state including the Chilika lake, India’s largest brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and its nearby areas within the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district, Balasore district and the mouth of the Rushukulya river in Ganjam district.

The 10thedition of Tamirabharani water bird count in select water bodies in Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Thoothukudi districts will be conducted between January 24 and 26 this year. As usual, thousands of migratory birds have arrived at irrigation tanks in the Tamirabharani basin and thousands of local birds started breeding in their regular nests.