Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran said in the Assembly on Monday that procedures to conduct Tiger census in Wayanad region will be initiated this week. The census is aimed to find out whether tigers are wreaking havoc in inhabited areas due to rise in wildlife population. 

Apart from tigers, an elephant census will be conducted in the state too, said the minister. The census is usually conducted by the Centre once every four years. 

Although a census was carried out in 2022, its report has not been released. Hence, we are currently relying on the data from the 2018 census report, said the minister in response to a submission by IC Balakrishnan MLA. 

“Night patrolling has been intensified to prevent wild animals from entering populated areas. The demand to offer employment to a family member of wild animal attack victims will be brought to the attention of the chief minister,” he added.