Baripada: The tiger population in Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district has increased to 29, as per a count made by camera trapping. But forest officials believe that their number could be around 40.
This was revealed by some officials of the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) at a seminar on protection of tigers and wildlife during the celebration of the 64th Wildlife Week at the office of the Baripada Forest Division Friday. The seminar was presided over by deputy director (field) of STR Jajnadatt Pati.
Expressing concern over the decline in the tiger population across the country, officials and wildlife experts said in the last 100 years, the tiger population in India has come down to 4,000 from over 1 lakh.
However, they claimed that tiger population in Odisha has increased in the last four years.
Experts pointed out that forest cover has been depleting in the state and keeping this in view there is a need for massive plantation.
Besides, they discussed on ways to prevent poachers from entering forests and people from encroaching forest land.
Superintendent of Police Awinash Kumar, divisional forest officer (Rairangpur) Kulnde Gorak Amman, wildlife warden Pradipta Kumar Kabi and assistant conservator of forest of Baripada forest division Dillip Kumar Barik among others were present at the seminar.
PNN