Bhopal zookeepers to study effect of solar eclipse on animal behaviour

BHOPAL - The Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal has commissioned a unique study to know the changes in behaviour of animals caused by solar eclipse. The first total solar eclipse of 21st century will be visible in India on July 22. For this, the National Park has appointed officials at 23 points of the park to observe the daily behaviour of animals, namely lions, tigers, bears, leopards, hyena and others.

The officials will code the behavioural pattern of animals for a week before the eclipse and then compare it with their findings on the day of solar eclipse. “For the study, we have appointed those people who are specially involved with animal keeping. And since they are familiar with the animals’ behaviour, they will be able to know the difference in their behaviour due to the eclipse,” said A.K. Khare, Deputy Director, Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal.

In India, the eclipse will commence soon after sunrise. Surat, Vadodra, Indore, Bhopal, Varanasi and Patna are ideal locations for good views of the total solar eclipse. (ANI)