Jharkhand Launches App-Based Wildlife Census Across 36 Forest Divisions

Jharkhand has begun its latest wildlife census, marking a key phase in the state’s long-term effort to monitor and conserve its forest biodiversity. The exercise commenced on Monday, December 15, with forest officials deploying a mobile application for real-time data collection across the state’s forested landscapes.

According to officials from the Jharkhand Forest Department, the census is being carried out across 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected wildlife divisions. These include prominent conservation areas such as the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The exercise is part of a nationwide wildlife enumeration programme conducted once every four years, designed to generate accurate and scientifically validated data on animal populations.

S R Natesh, state nodal officer for the census and field director of Palamu Tiger Reserve, said the initiative follows a standardised methodology to ensure reliability and comparability of data. “This census is being conducted using a completely scientific approach to assess the presence and distribution of wildlife across Jharkhand’s forests,” he noted. Natesh, who also serves as the Chief Conservator of Forests, added that wildlife counting has begun simultaneously in more than half of India’s forested regions, with the remaining areas expected to follow shortly.

How Does The App Work?

The census is being undertaken under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the two apex bodies responsible for wildlife research and tiger conservation in the country. Officials confirmed that the exercise combines traditional field-based methods with modern technology, including camera traps and a specially designed ecological mobile application.

“The use of camera traps allows us to capture photographic evidence of elusive and nocturnal species, while the mobile app ensures that field data is uploaded systematically and securely,” a forest official explained. The app records multiple variables, including location, species identification, and habitat conditions, helping researchers build a comprehensive ecological database.

Providing additional context, PTR Deputy Director Kumar Ashish highlighted the broader national framework of the census. “India currently has 58 tiger reserves, including the Madhav Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, which was notified earlier this year,” he said. Referring to the most recent national estimates, Ashish noted that the 2022 census recorded 3,167 tigers in India—approximately 70 per cent of the global tiger population. Based on current trends, the numbers are expected to increase in this cycle, he added.

Manual Tracking and Other Tech

One of the distinguishing features of the ongoing census is the continued use of manual tracking techniques alongside technology-driven surveys. Forest staff are documenting indirect evidence of wildlife presence, such as pugmarks, scratch marks on trees, and animal droppings. These traditional methods remain crucial for species that are difficult to capture on camera or inhabit dense forest areas.

The app-based data collection phase will continue until December 22. Following this, extended field surveys—covering both protected and non-protected forest divisions—will be conducted with human assistance. The entire census exercise is expected to conclude by April 2026, allowing sufficient time for data verification, analysis, and reporting.

Approximately 1,600 forest personnel have been deployed across Jharkhand for the operation, supported by trained volunteers. Officials say the scale of participation reflects the importance of the census in shaping future conservation strategies, habitat management plans, and policy decisions related to wildlife protection in the state.

The findings from the census are expected to play a critical role in strengthening Jharkhand’s conservation efforts, particularly in safeguarding its tiger habitats and diverse forest ecosystems.

(With inputs from PTI)

FAQs

1. What is the wildlife census being conducted in Jharkhand?

The wildlife census is a statewide exercise to assess animal populations across Jharkhand’s forests using scientific methods, technology, and field surveys.

2. Which areas are covered under the Jharkhand wildlife census?

The census covers 31 territorial forest divisions and five protected wildlife divisions, including Palamu Tiger Reserve and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. How is wildlife data being collected during the census?

Forest officials are using a mobile application, camera traps, and traditional tracking methods such as pugmarks, scratch marks, and animal droppings.

4. Which agencies are overseeing the wildlife census?

The census is being conducted under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

5. When will the Jharkhand wildlife census be completed?

The app-based data collection phase will run until December 22, with extended surveys continuing until April 2026.

6. Why is the wildlife census important for Jharkhand?

The findings will guide conservation strategies, habitat management, and policy decisions aimed at protecting Jharkhand’s forests and wildlife, especially tigers.