Forest team conducts 2-day drill for All India Tiger Estimation:Rangers record fresh pugmarks, scat and prey signs; nationwide tiger census to begin on Dec 18

The Indore Forest Division completed a two-day mock drill to refine field preparedness for the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, the country’s largest wildlife survey, on Friday. The exercise, conducted on December 11–12 across the Indore, Choral, Mhow and Manpur ranges and Ralamandal Sanctuary, is expected to improve accuracy and coordination when the national survey begins in the division from 18 to 24 December. Day one: Carnivore survey detects leopard activity On December 11, forest teams conducted a carnivore-focused survey from 6 am to 10 am. While no definitive tiger signs were found, extensive leopard activity was recorded across several beats. Teams documented: Officials said the session helped staff practise species sign identification and field navigation, crucial for the upcoming national exercise. Day two: Herbivore and Habitat assessment done On December 12, the mock drill continued with a herbivore and habitat survey across 102 beats. Herbivore abundance is a key ecological indicator because prey density directly influences carnivore presence. Following AITE’s prey-based protocols, teams walked predetermined transects and recorded: These observations help derive ungulate density, an essential parameter in modelling carnivore populations under the AITE framework. Camera trap installation progresses across 200 sq km The Indore Forest Division spans nearly 700 sq km, of which 200 sq km has been selected for camera trapping. The landscape has been divided into 2 sq km scientific grids, with installation underway. Technical support is being provided by the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), led by Wildlife Biologist Vivek Tumsare, senior programme manager. AITE 2026: India’s largest wildlife estimation exercise Conducted every four years by NTCA and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the AITE follows a four-phase framework: Phase I Ground Survey: Recording carnivore and prey signs, water sources, disturbance and vegetation. Phase II Remote Sensing GIS (Geographic Information System): Mapping habitat quality, fragmentation and corridors using satellite imagery. Phase III Camera Trapping: Capture–recapture analysis through paired camera traps to estimate carnivore numbers. Phase IV National Statistical Analysis: Integration of all state datasets to generate scientifically validated population estimates. The nationwide report is expected by July 2026. Thermal drone installed to track nighttime movement To strengthen monitoring in vulnerable areas, the Forest Department has deployed a thermal-imaging drone capable of scanning a radius of five kilometres. The drone enables teams to detect nocturnal movement of leopards along forest edges, trenching grounds and adjoining settlements. We have introduced new technology to enhance tracking in the Ralamandal area. The drone supports rapid response teams if a leopard is sighted near populated zones, said DFO Pradeep Mishra, IFS. Training completed; division confident for main survey Forest personnel have completed structured training in AITE protocols, species sign identification and digital data entry through M-STrIPES. Officials said the two-day mock drill has strengthened confidence and standardised methods across teams. Mishra said the rehearsals will directly enhance the quality of Indore’s contribution to the national exercise. The mock drill sharpened our teams’ detection skills and habitat assessment methods. We expect a more accurate and well-coordinated AITE this year, he said.