Gujarat Forest Department commences first phase of Asiatic lions census
The Gujarat Forest Department on Saturday began the 16th Asiatic Lion census, to be held in two phases, according to officials familiar with the matter.The census — the first field census since 2015 — will be carried out across 11 districts, covering approximately 35,000 square km and using the Direct Beat Verification (DBV) method, said the government statement.
Confirming the development, Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera said, 'It is an auspicious beginning of the lion census. From 2 pm today to 2pm tomorrow (Sunday), the first phase of the census will be held… The second phase will be carried out from May 12 to May 13'.
'A total area of 35000 square km in 58 talukas will be covered by 735 counting units in 32 zones… This time, apart from the forest officials, volunteers and about 600 sarpanches have also joined the census,' Bera added.
The final phase of the census will be undertaken on May 12 and 13 in the districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad, according to the government statement.
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Gujarat Forest Department commences first phase of Asiatic lions census
The Gujarat Forest Department on Saturday began the 16th Asiatic Lion census, to be held in two phases, according to officials familiar with the census — the first field census since 2015 — will be carried out across 11 districts, covering approximately 35,000 square km and using the Direct Beat Verification (DBV) method, said the government statement. Confirming the development, Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera said, 'It is an auspicious beginning of the lion census. From 2 pm today to 2pm tomorrow (Sunday), the first phase of the census will be held… The second phase will be carried out from May 12 to May 13'. 'A total area of 35000 square km in 58 talukas will be covered by 735 counting units in 32 zones… This time, apart from the forest officials, volunteers and about 600 sarpanches have also joined the census,' Bera added. The final phase of the census will be undertaken on May 12 and 13 in the districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad, according to the government statement.
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