Why Is Chandigarh Conducting a Wildlife Census..

Chandigarh : is set to launch a comprehensive wildlife census from October this year, covering five major ecological areas including the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. The purpose of the survey is to accurately assess the population of various animal and bird species residing in these protected zones. The survey will be conducted with the help of forest officials, experts, and technical equipment like camera traps that will be installed deep within forested areas to monitor wildlife movement.

According to officials from the Forest and Wildlife Department, this effort aims to update data on native and migratory species, which is crucial for future conservation planning. Over the years, ecological pressure, urban expansion, and climate change have had visible effects on wildlife, and a fresh census will help understand how populations have changed. The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is home to species like sambar, wild boars, peacocks, and various migratory birds. The other areas to be surveyed include forest belts and eco-sensitive zones around the city.

One of the highlights of this census will be the use of high-resolution camera traps. These devices will be installed at strategic locations across the jungle paths, water sources, and feeding spots to automatically capture images and videos of animals and birds. The footage will later be analyzed to identify species and count individuals. Additionally, teams will conduct field visits, collect droppings and feathers, and make observational entries to support the digital data.

Experts say such detailed wildlife studies are essential to understand habitat conditions, species diversity, and threats posed to endangered animals. The collected data will also help formulate better protection strategies and may influence decisions related to eco-tourism, afforestation, and wildlife corridor creation. Forest department officials have also stated that awareness programs will be held for local residents and nature enthusiasts to involve them in the conservation process.

The census will continue for several weeks and will follow a strict methodology laid out by national wildlife authorities. This marks one of the largest coordinated wildlife surveys in Chandigarh in recent years and reflects the administration’s growing commitment to biodiversity preservation. The final report is expected to be published by early next year and will be shared with central authorities to contribute to national wildlife databases.