Capture-recapture method used in Gir to know leopard density

Vadodara: The Gujarat forest department has started using 'capture-mark-recapture' method to estimate the leopard density in Gir forest, an official said today.

The exercise has begun on April 20 and it would get over in 45 days, the official said.

"As part of this exercise, fifty cameras have been installed at 25 points in Gir forest. Each point covers an area of 2.5 sq km area," deputy conservator of forest, Gir west, Pradeepsinh Jadeja, said.

The method is very accurate, he said adding, "We have tied up with the wildlife experts in Aligarh Muslim University for this exercise."

The results of the exercise would be known after a detailed analysis by the wild life experts, which would take some time, jadeja stated.

Besides ascertaining the number of leopards, the initiative would also help in locating other wild animals in the forest, the official said.