In the ranges of Jambughoda and Ratan Mahal Sanctuaries under Wildlife Circle, Vadodara, the number of wild animals like hyena, fox, wild cat, wild boar, rabbit, Nilgai has been found to have increased during the Corona period. The number of striped hyenas has also increased for the second year in a row. It has been in the endangered range for a long time.
Baldev Singh Vaghela, Deputy Conservator of Forests, said that in the 2019 wildlife census, 77 hyenas were found in the area which increased to 87 in 2020, and in 2021 it increased to 123.
This has happened due to the reduction in human activity during the 2020 lockdown and the current partial lockdown. In addition, measures also have been taken to curb poaching activity. However, no significant fluctuations in the number of leopards and bears have been reported.
Wildlife counts are conducted every year in protected sanctuary areas by the wildlife departments as part of their duty and for better management of wildlife. Wildlife censuses are conducted in the entire forest area of the state every three years by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state.
Giving interesting information that if there is a fight between leopard and hyena then a leopard usually runs away due to the strong jaws and aggressive nature of the hyenas. Baldevsinh Vaghela said that hyena is known by different names in different states and forest areas of the country.
Hyena sometimes hunts by itself but it often eats dead carcasses of prey killed by other animals. As the villagers bury the dead bodies of animals like pets or dogs, cats in different parts of the village, it is seen in the vicinity of the village.
The 2021 wildlife census also shows an increase in the population of rabbits in the above areas.
