TN's elephant population recorded an increase Tamil Nadu has 2,961 elephants as per the Forest Department's synchronised elephant population estimation done in the four southern States. This survey was conducted in 26 forest divisions of Tamil Nadu. Six forest divisions (Madurai, Theni, Salem, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tirunelveli and Tiruvannamalai) did not report elephants, as per the report. Among the five elephant reserves, the Nilgiris Eastern Ghats (Nilgiris) reserve had the highest estimated density followed by Nilambur Silent Valley (Coimbatore) reserve, Anamalai elephant reserve, Srivilliputhur elephant reserve and the Agasthyamalai elephant reserve. Note Project Elephant scheme launched - 1992. Weighing unit unearthed in Keeladi A weighing unit made of crystal quartz was found in the ninth phase of the excavations in Keeladi. It was the first time a crystal quartz had been unearthed in Keeladi. It is somewhat spherical in shape with the top and the base cut off, making it flat. It has a smooth surface and is transparent with a diametre of 2 cm, it is 1.5 cm high and weighs 8 gm. This antiquity was found along with terracotta hopscotch, iron nail, black-and-red ware and red slipped ware. The excavation also yielded a fragment of a snake figurine made of terracotta. The eyes and mouth of the snake were intricately carved. Chief Minister unveils logo of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the logo of the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), a unit formed recently to prevent wildlife crimes in the State. The WCCB operates in four zones Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Ramanathapuram. Note Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
