Barmer/Jalore, May 7 -- Western Rajasthan's wildlife populations have surged, with the annual waterhole census on Vaishakh Purnima revealing strong ecological recovery in Barmer and Jalore districts. In Barmer, the total wildlife count rose 18.8% from last year. Blackbucks showed the sharpest increase, jumping from 19 in 2025 to 121 in 2026-a 53.6% gain. Nilgai numbers climbed from 1,291 to 1,706, while chinkara rose from 1,618 to 1,851, up over 14%. Peacocks increased from 2,990 to 3,461, a 15.75% rise. The Forest Department census, held from the evening of May 1 to the evening of May 2 over 24 hours, tallied 8,475 animals and birds at district water points. Carnivores totalled 203, including 36 jackals, 4 hyenas, 40 desert cats, 19 foxes, and 104 desert foxes. Other species comprised 219 porcupines, 60 rabbits, one wild boar, and 9 langurs. Bird counts were robust, led by peacocks: 1,451 males, 1,857 females, and 143 chicks. Additional sightings included 296 partridges, 28 egrets, 36 weaver birds, 106 lapwings, 120 sandgrouse, and 128 flamingos. Reptiles numbered 486, with 70 spiny-tailed lizards (sanda), 5 turtles, 6 scaled vipers, and 49 mongooses. Divisional forest officer Savita Dahiya said, "The 18.80 percent increase in wildlife population is a very positive sign for conservation. The sharp rise in blackbuck numbers from 19 to 121 is particularly encouraging for the district." Officials attribute the gains to sustained conservation efforts, better habitat conditions, and community awareness in the desert region. In Jalore, the census showed robust populations and rare species. Wild boars topped the count at 835, followed by 309 jackals and 89 bears. Panther movement appeared for the first time, while Indian vultures rose to 16 from 7 in 2023; 23 rusty-spotted cats were recorded for the first time. Desert foxes hit 19, up steadily over two years. Wild asses grew gradually from 17 in 2024 to 18 in 2025 and 19 in 2026. Others included 130 hyenas, 100 jungle cats, 5 desert cats, 207 foxes, 131 badgers, 14 civet badgers, 238 chinkara, 264 porcupines, 32 sarus cranes, 19 jungle fowl, and 9 painted storks. The census covered four forest ranges at 40 waterhole points, with 87 forest personnel using machans and camera traps for continuous monitoring. The waterhole method runs each summer, as heat above 45degC drives animals to water sources daily. Vaishakh Purnima's full moon provides natural light for accurate counts without artificial illumination....