Fourth tiger estimation begins in AP 

Fourth tiger estimation begins in AP 

Context:

The fourth All-India Tiger estimation began in the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) on 22nd January 2018

What is the method used in the survey?

• An app, named, Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-StrIPES) is being used for the tiger estimation
• The new app is used for the carnivore sign survey and transect marking to record details such as pellet density, vegetation status etc.

How is the new method better than the previous method?

• The new app is being used to avoid human error involved in the traditional recording system of pugmarks and other signs.
• Previously, data was collected manually in the pro forma on paper, which is prone to human errors.
• Also, the new estimation is being done in grids of 2 sq.km each, unlike in 4 sq.km grids done earlier. This is expected to yield more accuracy.

What other surveys will be done?

• The carnivore estimation will be followed by an herbivore estimation to ascertain whether the reserve has enough prey for the tigers.
• There will also be enumeration of panthers, bears and wild dogs.