16th Asiatic lion count using advanced technology begins today
lion population estimate
, to be conducted in two phases, will begin on Saturday. The assessment, using the '
direct beat verification
' method, will cover a 35,000 sq km area in the
Saurashtra region
.The Gir region in Saurashtra has been the sole habitat for Asiatic lions since 1980, with the Gujarat forest department conducting population estimates every five years.The lion count will engage roughly 3,000 trained volunteers, including forest officials from across regional, zonal, and sub-zonal levels.
Advanced technological tools, including high-resolution cameras, radio collars, the e-GujForest application, and GIS software, will support the count.The Asiatic lion estimation, with initial counting on May 10-11, will be followed by a final assessment on May 12-13. The count will be spread across 58 talukas where lions have been spotted.According to govt sources, the 'direct beat verification' approach provides nearly 100% accuracy in statistical analysis and implementation, with a minimal margin of error. This method proved effective across forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and revenue regions for over three decades.The Gir and Greater Gir areas will be divided into hierarchical units of regions, zones, and sub-zones. Volunteers will receive forms and area maps to record lion sightings, including observation time, movement direction, gender, age, identifying features, GPS location, and group composition."To identify lions, various tools like high-resolution cameras and camera traps will be used. Some lions have radio collars which will help locate them and their groups. The e-GujForest application will assist in real-time data entry of lion observations, enhancing accuracy, and this data will be supported with GPS locations and photos. Additionally, GIS software will be used to delineate survey areas and develop detailed maps to track lion movements, distribution patterns, and habitat use," said forest department officials.Historical data shows lion populations of 304 in 1995, which rose to 327 in 2001; 359 in 2005; 411 in 2010; 523 in 2015; and 674 in 2020.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Ajmer Dargah's 'no liability' notice draws flak from Muslim groups
Ajmer dargah AJMER: A public notice issued by the nazim (chief executive officer) of Ajmer Dargah disowning responsibility for accidents caused by dilapidated structures within the shrine complex, has triggered widespread anger among Muslim organisations and the community's religious heads. The notice, dated July 21, was pasted inside Dargah premises, warning devotees to avoid old or structurally weak buildings that may collapse during heavy rains. It stated, "In case of any accident or untoward incident, the individual will be solely responsible. The nazim office will not accept any legal liability." The language and tone of the notice have been condemned by organisations from Delhi to Hyderabad, including the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, All India Muslim Council and the Muslim Progressive Front (Rajasthan). Several groups have demanded an immediate withdrawal of the notice and called on the ministry of minority affairs to launch an inquiry into the matter. TOI texted and called Nazim Bilal Khan for a statement, but received no response. The Ajmer Dargah Committee functions under the ministry of minority affairs and the episode has renewed calls for greater accountability, transparency and professional oversight in the management of India's major religious heritage sites. Sohail Khandwani, managing trustee of Haji Ali and Mahim Dargah in Mumbai, who is currently overseeing renovation work at Haji Ali, expressed dismay: "I came across the letter. I was shocked to learn that the nazim hasn't even identified which buildings are structurally unsafe, nor have any warning signs been placed. Simply issuing a letter will spark fear among devotees." The Dargah receives 20,000 devotees on normal days, which jumps up to a lakh on Thursdays and Fridays. Syed Nadeem Hasan Nizami, chief in-charge of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah in Delhi, called the notice a "hallmark of shamelessness and administrative negligence." He said, "Asking devotees to survey the complex, identify weak structures and then decide whether to proceed with ziyarat (visit the shrine) is absurd. What exactly is the Dargah nazim's role then? He should resign. I appeal to PM Narendra Modi to appoint qualified professionals with experience in management, auditing and public safety. " The notice follows incidents of roof collapse and water seepage in at least three mosques within the Dargah complex in the past week.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘How can they wake up one day, ask us to leave?': Palika Dham complex in Delhi declared unsafe, residents told to vacate
Walk through the black gate of the Palika Dham Housing Complex in Gole Market, and you're met with a long row of modest grey buildings that have seen better days — broken tiles reveal the brickwork beneath, seepage marks stain the walls, and small plants have taken root in the cracks. Recently, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) declared the buildings unsafe and asked residents to vacate their homes. In a notice issued on July 11, residents were directed to register their names and details on the NDMC's e-Awas Portal between July 14 and 16 to apply for alternative housing. Verification of these applications was to be completed by July 17. 'Failure to do so will result in non-allotment of alternative accommodation at new locations… the existing quarters will have to be vacated compulsorily,' the notice further read. The announcement has left residents divided — all of whom are government employees, both retired and currently serving. Pointing to a broken window in her flat from the road, Roshni, an employee with the NDMC's health department, said, 'They are asking us to vacate for a valid reason. What if an accident takes place? Who will be responsible?' She said that a month ago, her sister-in-law suffered injuries to her back after plaster from the ceiling at her home fell on her. 'Moving and shifting the children to other schools will be a hassle, but it is better than living with a daily risk.' She added that the water tankers located above the homes have caused seepage and weakened the ceilings. Since the 1970s, the complex has been home to more than a hundred government employees, said residents. It also includes a gym, a temple, and a baraat ghar (wedding hall). Another employee with the health department, who was bringing his two children back from school on a two-wheeler, agreed that the apartments are in bad shape. 'I hope they allot a place nearby. But even if it is a little far from the school, I will drop my children.' However, President of the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA), Raju Dhakolia, said the solution is not to evict residents. 'Ever since the buildings were constructed in the 1970s, no repairs have been undertaken. Suddenly, 150 flats need to be emptied. How can they wake up one fine day and ask us to move out, declaring our homes unsafe?' said Dhakolia, a retired NDMC electricity department employee. The RWA has submitted a letter to the New Delhi Assembly constituency MLA, Parvesh Sahib Singh, requesting him to solve the problems faced by residents. Their concerns include broken handpumps, lack of security guards, overgrown trees, and leakage in water pipelines. When contacted, NDMC officials said these houses are brick masonry structures constructed in 1974. 'The NDMC places highest priority on the safety and welfare of its employees. After a detailed structural assessment, the Palika Dham flats, which are more than 50 years old and have outlived their lifespan, were declared unsafe for habitation. The safety of residents cannot be compromised under any circumstances. However, regular maintenance of these flats was being carried out by the council,' an official said. The official added that the civic body has taken proactive steps to ensure that affected residents are offered new, suitable and more spacious alternative accommodations.
Scroll.in
2 days ago
- Scroll.in
APSC ADO admit card 2025 releasing tomorrow; check details here
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has released the exam schedule for the Agricultural Development Officer posts in the Agriculture Department under Advt. No. 09/2025. As per the notification, the exam will be conducted on August 10 in two shifts: 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Admit cards will be released at on August 4, 2025. The recruitment drive aims to fill 195 ADO posts. 'No intimation letter to the eligible candidates shall be sent separately by post. The list of candidates shall be uploaded on 23-07-2025 and e-Admission Certificate shall be uploaded on 04-08-2025 in the Commission's official website( The candidates shall have to download their own e-Admission Certificate from the aforesaid website,' reads the notification. Steps to download ADO admit card 2025
