Jaisalmer: The annual 24-hour wildlife census by the waterhole method in Desert National Park (DNP) concluded at 8am Thursday, marking the end of a campaign to record wildlife activity during the full moon on Wednesday night. Conducted at 52 water holes across Jaisalmer, Pokhran, Miajlar, and Barmer ranges of DNP, the count aimed to document 35 species of animals and birds, including the endangered Great Indian Bustard (Godawan).This year’s count recorded a significant presence of desert foxes, desert cats, blue bulls, chinkaras, wild boars, porcupines, and birds like vultures, sandgrouse, peacocks, and birds of prey. The campaign was missed last year due to heavy rainfall.DFO Brijmohan Gupta said the count was not just numerical but a key part of long-term wildlife conservation planning. Conducted using camera traps, binoculars, night vision devices, and direct sighting, the initiative involved 104 personnel, including forest staff, ETF members, WII researchers, and local villagers. Each water hole was manned by two personnel working round-the-clock from camouflage tents to avoid disturbing wildlife.The count is strategically conducted on summer full moon nights, when natural light improves visibility and wildlife tends to gather at limited water sources, aiding accurate assessment. Regional forest officers continuously monitored the process to ensure accuracy and consistency. The final report will be released by the first week of July and submitted to state and Union govts.
Wildlife count at 52 waterholes records many desert animals | Jaipur News
