The seven-day winter wildlife census at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) would begin on December 15.

The survey would begin with an orientation programme at Attakatti, from where volunteers and Forest Department personnel would be sent to the respective beats. It would conclude on December 22.

The objective of the survey was to ascertain the prey base of tigers, which is the dominant predator in the reserve according to officials.

ATR has also invited volunteers including college students, members of NGOs to participate in the census along with field staff of the Forest Department. More than 200 participants would involve in the census.

While the volunteers would be involved in the carnivore sign survey to ascertain the population of tiger, leopard, sloth bear and dhole (wild dog) from December 16 to 18, they would involve in ascertaining the prey base of tigers from December 19 to 21.

According to sources, the reserve had a population of more than 20 tigers, 1400 Spotted deer, 800 elephants, 1500 Indian Gaur and less than 1000 Sambhar deer in its 1479 square kilo meter area. The reserve has its boundaries in Coimbatore, Tirupur and Dindigul.

The department is to take necessary measures based on the rise and fall of the number of species in the reserve.

Those interested in taking part in the survey should contact the District Forest Officer (Pollachi) and Assistant Director, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Pollachi, Pollachi Division, e-mail ID: [email protected], Telephone number: (04259) 235 3855, Fax No: (04259) 234 385.

The last for applying is December 12.