Telangana: First-ever moonlight wildlife census carried out in Kawal Tiger Reserve in Adilabad

Group of officials, volunteers and locals covered the spots in the forest known for being exploited by poachers of wildlife at night

Adilabad: Buoyed by the success of the Bird Festival held in March, forest officials conducted a unique census of waterhole-based wildlife inhabiting Utnoor forest division in Kawal Tiger Reserve under moonlight by involving locals in Telangana for the first time to mark Buddha Purnima on Monday night.

Led by District Forest Officer Prashanth Patil, a group of officials, volunteers and locals visited on certain waterholes where wild animals naturally gathered to quench their thirst with summer being at the peak in forest fringe villages in the division known for vulnerable zones.

They covered the spots in the forest known for being exploited by poachers of wildlife at night, setting an example to others in the State in involving locals in innovative conservation of the fauna.

The participants did not use flashlights, mobile phones, and made no noise. Forest staff ensured the entire operation was safe, with backup patrols, emergency kits and logistical support in place.

Observations were meticulously recorded and they would contribute to a long-term habitat and species monitoring, officials said, adding the exercise was held by drawing inspiration from Maharashtra, where such enumerations became both scientific tools and public conservation campaigns.

The officials earlier identified five key waterhole zones for the census. They constructed temporary machans, which are watch towers camouflaged using foliage and natural materials to prevent any disruption to wildlife movement.

Volunteers, drawn from Adilabad, Karimnagar, Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts of Maharashtra were trained in observation protocols, safety guidelines and ethics of silent vigil.

Prashanth Patil said these moments of vulnerability were historically exploited by poachers, especially on bright full moon nights. “We wanted to turn this weakness into strength by involving citizens. Utnoor division forms a part of the core Kawal Tiger Reserve, it houses numerous fringe villages, including vulnerable zones for poaching and smuggling of teak timber,” he reasoned.

The DFO further said that under such circumstances, citizen-driven initiatives like this not only help in data collection but also act as a powerful deterrent. “When communities watch over their own forests, they become active protectors, not passive residents,” he opined.