103 jumbos in Palamu Tiger Reserve buffer zone: Census

Daltonganj: The recent elephant census that started from June 1 in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has revealed a pleasant truth that the number of calves has risen steadily.

PTR director Premjit Anand said many calves had been spotted in the Garu East, Garu West and Bareysarn range. A herd of 40 to 42 elephants with about 12 calves were found moving around in these areas.

Preliminary counting of elephants beginning on June 1 has revealed that 103 elephants exist in the buffer area of the PTR.

DFO, buffer, Anil K Mishra confirmed the official count of 103. "The counting will be complete on June 3 and the figure may even go up," said Mishra adding that elephants are found more in the buffer areas of PTR in summer due to availability of water.

"In the core area eight elephants have so far been spotted out of which two are calves," said Anand adding that the final count will be officially released on June 8.