An integrated elephant census has begun in Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary and it would be carried out in Manamballi and Valparai ranges simultaneously. Eight teams consisting of forest staff and volunteers each would participate in the census said Sakthi Vel Forest Ranger (Valparai).
Direct and Indirect methods such as sample block count and transect dung count would be employed to arrive at the population of elephants in the current census. The census would be conducted for four consecutive days.
