The dry deciduous evergreen forest, spread over an area of 35 sq. km. at Kodiyakkarai near Vedaranyam, has recorded an increase in wildlife census when compared to last year, thanks to the intensification of anti-poaching activities, proper water management, and conducive habitat for animals and birds by the Forest Department.
The department staff along with college students of AVC Engineering College at Mayiladuthurai and Government Arts and Science College at Poompuhar conducted one-day wildlife census at Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary at Kodiyakkarai on February 28.
Over 50 students and 20 forest officials undertook this census. They were divided into 18 groups and conducted the exercise in 18 transit lines.
The Forest Ranger of Vedaranyam, V. Gobinath, told The Hindu that the department has identified 948 bucks, 117 spotted deer, 172 horses, 77 monkeys, 82 wild boars, 12 black napped hares, 20 jackals, and 1,525 fruit-bearing bats. The department has recorded an overall 10 per cent increase in the wildlife when compared to last year.
The Government has allocated Rs. 2.70 lakh for the construction of water troughs at Kathan Odai, Aruvankanni, S-curve, and a few other places to quench the thirst of animals and birds under Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Greening Project. Now, the sanctuary has 17 water troughs to provide water to animals and birds in the ensuing summer.
Moreover, the department has identified sensitive spots in the sanctuary and stepped up anti-poaching activities. As many as 15 anti-poaching guards along with 15 forest officials were engaged in this activity. As a result, not a single poaching activity had been recorded in Vedaranyam forest range last year, officials said.
