Kolkata, Jan 18 (IANS): A four-day-long census to ascertain rhino population in Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park in north West Bengal will begin Monday, a forest official said.
"According to the 2013 census, Jaldapara had 186 rhinos while Gorumara had a population of 50 as per the 2014 census. We are hoping that their population has increased significantly," said Chief Conservator of Forest, North Bengal (Wild Life) V.K. Sood.
Besides forest officials, several NGOS would participate in the exercise that will estimate the number of one-horned rhinoceros on the basis of direct sightings.
The census at Gorumara will be carried out Jan 19 and 20 while at Jaldapara it will be on Jan 21 and 22.