Jharkhand Begins Statewide Wildlife Census Using Mobile App and Scientific Survey Methods

Medininagar | December 15, 2025 Jharkhand on Monday officially began its statewide wildlife census, marking an important step toward understanding and conserving the state’s rich forest biodiversity. The exercise, which is conducted once every four years, is being carried out using scientific methods and modern technology, including a mobile-based application for data collection, forest department officials said. The wildlife census started simultaneously across 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected forest areas in the state. These include key wildlife zones such as the Palamu Tiger Reserve and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The census aims to record the presence, movement and population trends of wild animals across both protected and non-protected forest areas. The exercise is being coordinated under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India. According to officials, the main purpose of the census is to collect accurate and reliable data that can help in wildlife protection, habitat management and long-term conservation planning. State nodal officer for the census and Palamu Tiger Reserve field director, SR Natesh, said the counting process follows a completely scientific approach. He explained that the census is being conducted at the same time in more than half of the forest areas across the country. The remaining reserves and forest divisions will soon be covered as part of the nationwide exercise. “This census helps us understand where wildlife is present, how populations are changing, and what conservation steps are needed,” Natesh said. He added that the use of technology ensures better accuracy and faster data collection compared to earlier methods. Officials said the census involves extensive fieldwork and the use of camera traps placed at strategic locations to capture images of animals. Along with this, a special ecological mobile application is being used by forest staff to record sightings, signs and other relevant details directly from the field. This digital system reduces paperwork and helps central agencies analyse data more efficiently. Palamu Tiger Reserve deputy director Kumar Ashish shared more details about the larger context of the census. He said India currently has 58 tiger reserves, including the Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, which was declared earlier this year in March. Jharkhand’s reserves play a key role in supporting wildlife corridors and maintaining ecological balance in eastern India. Ashish also referred to the findings of the 2022 tiger census, which estimated India’s tiger population at 3,167. This figure accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the world’s total tiger population. He said the numbers are expected to increase in the current census, reflecting the impact of ongoing conservation efforts. One of the key features of this year’s wildlife census is the combination of technology-based surveys with traditional manual methods. In addition to camera traps and satellite-based tools, forest personnel are also collecting physical signs such as animal droppings, footprints, scratch marks on trees and other indicators of wildlife presence. This mixed approach helps verify data and ensures that animals that may not be captured on camera are still recorded. The app-based phase of the census will continue until December 22. After this, wildlife counting will continue with direct human involvement across both protected and non-protected forest divisions. This phase is expected to go on for several months and conclude by April 2026. To carry out the large-scale exercise, around 1,600 forest personnel have been deployed across Jharkhand. Officials said trained volunteers will also assist in supporting the operation, especially in difficult terrain and remote forest areas. Forest department officials said the data collected during the census will play a crucial role in shaping future wildlife policies, improving habitat protection and strengthening conservation efforts across the state. The census is also expected to provide valuable insights into the health of Jharkhand’s forest ecosystems and the challenges faced by its wildlife. Jharkhand Begins Statewide Wildlife Census Using Mobile App and Scientific Survey Methods Jharkhand has officially started its statewide wildlife census, a major exercise aimed at understanding and protecting the animals living in the state’s forests. The census began on December 15 and is being carried out across 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected forest areas, including the Palamu Tiger Reserve and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. Conducted once every four years, the wildlife census follows a scientific and well-planned approach. This year, forest officials are using a mobile-based application to record data directly from the field. Camera traps have also been installed in different forest locations to capture animal movement and presence. Along with modern tools, traditional methods such as tracking footprints, collecting animal droppings and noting scratch marks on trees are also being used to ensure accurate results. The census is being conducted under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India. According to officials, similar counting exercises have started in many forest areas across the country at the same time, making this a coordinated national effort. Palamu Tiger Reserve field director and state nodal officer SR Natesh said the census helps understand wildlife distribution and population trends. PTR deputy director Kumar Ashish added that India currently has 58 tiger reserves, and the 2022 census recorded 3,167 tigers, nearly 70 per cent of the world’s tiger population. He said the numbers are expected to rise in the current census. The app-based data collection will continue till December 22. After that, counting with human assistance will continue in both protected and non-protected forest areas and is expected to conclude by April 2026. Around 1,600 forest personnel have been deployed for the exercise, with volunteers also supporting the effort. The data collected will help improve conservation planning, protect habitats and strengthen wildlife protection across Jharkhand.