Gandhinagar: According to the Statewide Bear Census-2022 conducted by the Forest Department, a population of approximately 358 bears has been recorded in the seven districts of Gujarat as of the year 2022. The state conducts a bear census every five years. According to the Chief Conservator of Forests in Gandhinagar, the bear population has increased by an average of five per cent since the previous census.

In the 2022 bear census in Gujarat, Banaskantha district recorded the highest number of 146 bears in the state. The numbers in other districts were as follows: 101 in Dahod, 61 in Chotaudepur, 30 in Sabarkantha, 9 in Mehsana, 6 in Panchmahal, and 5 in Narmada district, making a total of 358 recorded bears.

The bear population estimation was previously conducted in May 2016, and in 2022, the estimation was conducted through direct and indirect observation methods across Gujarat. After compiling and analyzing all this information, the total bear population in the state is estimated at 358, providing further details, added the Chief Conservator of Forests. DeshGujarat