Colombo, March 13 -- The animal census is not being conducted with the aim of obtaining 100% accurate data but rather as a survey to estimate the number of monkeys, giant squirrels and peacocks living in these areas, Agriculture Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said.

Addressing a television programme today, he said that the data obtained from the census is expected to be used to enhance agricultural productivity.

"Sometimes, we may need to conduct another round of this survey, which will require more time. While we can gather some useful insights, we cannot claim that the data will be 100% accurate. There must be relevant data for analysis, which would then allow us to conduct a study on the country's wildlife," he said.

As part of th...