5-Minute Census Focuses on Identifying Crop-Damaging Domestic Animals

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has clarified that the 5-minute animal census is not about counting animals but rather identifying domestic animals that damage crops. Dr. Tharaka Prasad, the Director of Wildlife Health, emphasized during a television program that the census will focus on species like lynx, monkeys, peacocks, and skunks.

Professor Lasantha Sandika, Director of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research and Training Institute, explained that a leaflet will be distributed before the census on March 15. Farmers can record the number of animals from the four groups that visit their garden or agricultural area between 8:00 and 8:05 that morning. After the forms are completed, the Grama Niladhari will collect them for further processing.