In an effort to monitor and preserve the biodiversity of Tamil Nadu’s Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, wildlife officials have initiated a sweeping elephant census.
Location and Significance
- The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu.
- It is one of the largest contiguous forest tracts in the Southern Indian state.
- Renowned for its ecological diversity and thriving wildlife population, including the Asian elephant.
Census Methodology
- Skilled teams equipped with advanced technology are involved.
- Methods include camera traps, satellite tracking, and ground surveys.
- Aims to provide accurate insights into distribution, demographics, and behavior patterns of elephants.
Collaborative Effort
- Involves wildlife authorities, conservationists, and local communities.
- Underlines the importance of safeguarding elephants and their habitats.
Objectives
- Enumerating elephant numbers.
- Identifying threats like habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching.
- Informing conservation strategies and decision-making.
Importance of Stakeholder Involvement
- Collective commitment of governmental agencies and local communities is crucial.
- Ensures long-term survival of elephants and preservation of habitats.
Conclusion
Through concerted conservation efforts, the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve aims to remain a bastion of biodiversity, fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where is the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve located?
- A) Kerala
- B) Karnataka
- C) Tamil Nadu
- D) Andhra Pradesh
- Answer: C) Tamil Nadu
- What is the primary focus of the wildlife officials in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve?
- A) Monitoring bird species
- B) Conserving marine life
- C) Preserving elephant population
- D) Studying reptile habitats
- Answer: C) Preserving elephant population
- Which of the following methods is NOT used in the elephant census?
- A) Camera traps
- B) Satellite tracking
- C) Aerial surveys
- D) Ground surveys
- Answer: C) Aerial surveys
- What is one of the objectives of the census besides enumerating elephant numbers?
- A) Identifying potential threats
- B) Monitoring tiger population
- C) Counting bird species
- D) Tracking butterfly migration
- Answer: A) Identifying potential threats
- What is emphasized as crucial for the success of conservation efforts?
- A) Involvement of only governmental agencies
- B) Collective commitment of stakeholders
- C) Exclusion of local communities
- D) Relying solely on advanced technology
- Answer: B) Collective commitment of stakeholders