Kolkata: Jaldapara National Park in Alipurduar district has installed 210 cameras to strengthen wildlife monitoring in the sanctuary.
This is the first time such a large-scale camera deployment has been undertaken in Jaldapara.
The cameras cover 212 sq km of the park. The sanctuary has been divided into 105 grids. There is one infrared and one white flash camera in each grid.
The white flash cameras capture high-resolution images during the day. The infrared cameras enable image capture at night, helping document nocturnal and elusive species.
The grids were carefully demarcated based on landscape features, habitat connectivity, animal movement corridors and public movement patterns to ensure comprehensive coverage.
This will minimise the chances of missing wildlife movement. Field staff have already been trained to collect and manage data from the camera traps.
The cameras could help capture images of rare species moving through the sanctuary.
The data generated through this exercise will play a critical role in park management.
It helps understand movement patterns and habitat use, especially in sensitive and high-activity zones.
This will strengthen anti-poaching and protection strategies by identifying critical areas frequented by wildlife.
It supports science-based decision making for habitat management, grassland restoration and corridor protection.
It enables long-term monitoring of biodiversity trends and evaluation of management interventions.
Lastly, it helps assess population status, distribution and relative abundance of key wildlife species.
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