After nearly eight years, a leopard census is being conducted in Gujarat's Dang while using modern equipment. Eighty teams have been deployed in the forest areas of the district to carry out the survey. An official while talking to the news agency ANI said that the last census was conducted in 2016 in which the total number of leopards stood at 43 which is now expected to have increased in the last eight years.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Dinesh Rabari while talking to ANI on Saturday said that cameras have been installed in the forest in order to keep track of the possible movements of the 'big cats'. He said, "The last census was done in 2016. Cameras traps have been installed everywhere. The number of leopards in Dang is quite high. In 2016 there were a total of 43 leopards... now it is expected to increase. Since last week, 80 teams have been deployed." Rabari further said, "From 5 pm to 6 am, teams are being deployed and arranged wherever there is a possibility of leopard movements."
ANI posted a clip from the ground showcasing officials setting up equipment at the forest premises for the survey to take place.
In the video, an official can be seen setting up and fixing cameras on a plant's stem. He then was seen configuring the camera.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav in April said that converging the big cats and their habitat can secure some of the most important natural ecosystems on Earth leading to natural climate change adaptation, water and food security for millions and it will also provide livelihood and sustenance to the forest communities.
A mega international event was held at Karnataka's Mysuru this year in order to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger and during the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for the conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. Leopard is among the seven major big cats of the world.