File picture of Kaliani checkgate at Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Baripada, Oct. 27: The authorities have started the census of preys and predators in the core and buffer areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve from today. The survey will be a week-long exercise.

“It is primarily an exercise of sign survey. The sanctuary includes various types of animals both predators as well as preys. The survey will make a rough assessment of its population,” said Ajit Satpathy Dash, who is the deputy director the tiger reserve.

“Census of animals is done by direct sighting as well as analysing pug and scar marks, scats and pellets. During the exercise we also mark several other areas.”

The samples collected from various places during the survey would be compiled and analysed. The final report will be made after the data is compared with the trap- camera recordings.

“This is an exercise done in the sanctuary, twice every year, for the assessment of the population of both herbivores and carnivores.

The report helps the authorities to know the density and the movement areas of the animals,” said Anup Nayak, the director of the tiger reserve and the regional chief conservator of forests, Mayurbhanj.