For the first time, census of tigers and other predators in Karnataka which begins on January 16, will cover the entire forest area going beyond the national parks and sanctuaries.

"We want to cover the entire forest region this time because 50 per cent of animals are found outside parks and sanctuaries," A K Varma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Karnataka, told PTI.

• Joint tiger census planned

Apart from the traditional method of pugmark counting, this time satellite imagery will be used for habitat monitoring, he said.

The census methodology will also include signs survey, and scats survey (survey of animal excreta), which will enable an accurate estimation of the range of population of predators.

A simultaneous estimation of prey animals like deer, cheetals and gaurs will also be undertaken, Varma said.

Around 10,000 staff, non governmental organisations, volunteers, wildlife watchers and students will be involved in the work, he said.

"Maps have already been prepared and training for top officers and frontline staff has been completed," Varma said.

The tiger census is being jointly undertaken by the Wild Life Institute of India and Directorate Project Tiger, Delhi.