Nagpur: The fifth cycle of tiger estimates, in 2022, the possibility of starting from October this year, will be completely digital and without paper.
The National Census was carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India (Wii), Dehradun, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) every four years.
The last estimate was carried out in 2018.
Speaking with TOI, YV JHALA, Wii scientist and census coordinator, said, “Estimates will be carried out with the help of existing MSTRIPES, GIS-based patrol modules, which have the default ‘ecological application.
All field data related to lines Transect, carnivores, and signs of herbivores will be published in this application.
This application is quite clear and easy to use.
“Jhala added,” The application was there during the last estimate, but we did not use it because of limitations.
We have introduced it with refinement this time .
Staff training has begun in countries and we hope to launch physical training in October, after the rainy season.
“Last week, a two-day workshop for estimates throughout India (2021-2022) coach training (TOT) for Central India was held at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan.
Director of the field and nodal officers from 17 tiger reserves faced it.
Ravikiri Govekar, CCF & Field Director of PenH, who attended the workshop, said, “Prohibiting data entries without paper, there are no changes in other methodologies.
The grid size has been saved on 2 sq km like the last time for the Camera Trap phase-III data collection.
Before 2018, it is 4 km square.
The closing period for the camera trap is also 25 days like the last estimate.
Previously it was longer.
“” Someone must load his selfie.
Signs of animals and other ecological data have been fed in ecological applications, and one Only need to click certain signs when visible.
Second, at least there is a possible error because of the application-based data entry, “said Govekar.
Furthermore, Govekar said, “The best part is this application available in more than 20 languages ​​used in tiger bearing countries.
Field staff in Tamil Nadu will be able to fill in data in Tamil, and also, in Maharashtra, it can be done in Marathi.
Three The first day is for signs of carnivores and the remaining three days for herbivores and other ecological data.
“Govekar said,” Shifting to the regime without paper will reduce manipulation and provide accuracy.
It will also save time.
The plan is to release at least aite summary reports -2022 On July 29, 2022, which is the day of the world tiger.
“However, the flip side of the new paper system is that all forest field staff, especially those posted in the territorial area containing tigers, are not trained to handle mstrip.
“It is true that training must be given to territorial staff.
About 50% of the tiger found in the territorial area.
The lack of training will cause errors in the number of tigers,” admit officials.
The source said, for estimating 2022, NTCA-Wii was reluctant to involve NGOs and had left decisions to each state.