The West Bengal Forest Minister Mr. Hiten Barman today expressed concern over the growing population of some wild animals, including elephants. He said this could potentially harm the ecological balance. Mr. Barman told news persons in Kolkatta that, there has been a steady growth in the population of several wild animals including elephants, rhinoceroses and buffaloes in comparison to the forest cover in the state. The Minister said that, since culling of animals is prohibited unless they suffer from an epidemic it is difficult to contain their population .