Wildlife Conservation India Project #9807

Equip Forest Guards to Protect Wildlife in India

by Wildlife Trust of India

Project Report | Jun 20, 2025
Standing Strong at the Frontline of Conservation

By Monica Verma | Manager

Across India’s wilderness—whether dense forests, conflict-prone corridors, or tiger reserves—frontline forest staff are the first line of defense for wildlife. These brave individuals patrol challenging terrains, respond to emergencies, and face real risks from both wild animals and illegal activities.

Thanks to your generous support through our GlobalGiving appeal, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been able to step in with timely assistance. Over the past few months, six Rapid Action Projects (RAPs) were launched across key landscapes—from Assam to Telangana—where frontline teams were equipped with essential gear to carry out their duties more safely and effectively. This equipment has not only improved their protection and monitoring capacity but has also helped boost their morale in demanding field conditions.

1) Fuel-Efficient Cookstoves for Anti-Poaching Camps in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, globally celebrated for its successful conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros, is safeguarded by over 200 anti-poaching camps (APCs) spread across its flood-prone and remote terrain. Many of these camps face daily challenges, including limited access to clean water and cooking fuel—especially during the monsoons.

To help address this, we initiated a RAP to provide fuel-efficient cookstoves to 45 priority APCs utilising your contributions and support from DSWF. These specially designed stoves reduce firewood consumption by 30–50%, helping ease the pressure on forest resources and improving the wellbeing of forest staff.

A total of 45 cookstoves were distributed:

35 double-pot stoves,
8 single-pot stoves, and
2 large-capacity (50L) single-pot stoves for community cooking.

Practical training sessions were held at seven locations, enabling APC personnel to familiarize themselves with the stoves and address any operational questions. To reinforce proper usage, each APC also received a laminated poster in Assamese with step-by-step guidelines.

The Field Director of Kaziranga welcomed this intervention, and the project team continues to monitor stove usage and collect feedback to assess long-term impact.

2) Equipping Local Frontline Watchers in Guduru Wildlife Division, Telangana

Guduru, a lesser-known wildlife management region in Telangana, relies heavily on the dedication of local community members who serve as frontline watchers. These individuals, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, play a vital role in wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching efforts—despite facing significant resource limitations.

To support their crucial work, WTI stepped in with a RAP that provided 18 local watchers with essential field gear, including jackets, torches, backpacks, raincoats, water bottles, and caps.

This support, made possible through your contributions, not only helped the watchers carry out their duties more safely and effectively, but also strengthened the bond between the Forest Department and the local communities—underscoring the importance of inclusive conservation efforts.

3) Equipping SARPA Volunteers with Snake Rescue Kits in Palakkad, Kerala

For over a decade, Palakkad district in Kerala has reported the highest number of snakebite incidents and fatalities in the state. In response, the Social Forestry Division, Palakkad initiated a program to train and license local volunteers—known as SARPA volunteers—to safely rescue snakes and reduce conflict.

However, equipping these licensed volunteers with proper gear remained a significant challenge.

Thanks to your support, WTI stepped in to fill this critical gap by providing snake rescue kits to 150 SARPA volunteers. These kits will help ensure safer and more effective rescue operations—protecting both people and snakes—and have strengthened the division’s ongoing efforts to mitigate human-snake conflict in the region.

4) Field Gear Support for Frontline Staff in Munnar Forest Division, Kerala

The Munnar Forest Division in Kerala manages vast stretches of non-protected, human-dominated landscapes where frontline staff play a vital role in monitoring wildlife movement and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

To respond swiftly and effectively to conflict incidents, the Forest Department has established seven Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), each comprising 25 frontline personnel.

Thanks to you, WTI could provide trekking bags and high-intensity torchlights, helping to enhance their capacity for round-the-clock field monitoring and response. This support is helping ensure safer, more efficient operations in a challenging and sensitive conservation landscape.

5) Field Gear Support to Rapid Response Team in Kannur Forest Division, Kerala

Human-wildlife conflict is a growing challenge for the Kannur Forest Division in Kerala. To strengthen their response, the Division has established a Rapid Response Team (RRT) dedicated to addressing conflict situations swiftly and safely.

At the request of the Divisional Forest Officer, WTI provided a set of specialized field equipment to support the RRT’s operations. This aid was funded by your generous contributions. The aid included a ketch pole, live camera, camera traps, torches, headlamps, chainsaw, hand saw, safety gloves, and a ladder — all critical for handling wildlife rescue and conflict mitigation missions.

This support has significantly enhanced the team’s ability to respond more efficiently to emergencies, contributing to safer outcomes for both wildlife and local communities.

6. Field Gear Support to Machad Forest Range, Thrissur, Kerala

To strengthen wildlife monitoring and improve response to human-wildlife conflict in Thrissur district, WTI extended equipment support to the Machad Forest Range in Kerala. This followed a specific request from the Range Forest Officer, who highlighted the urgent need for better resources to support the frontline team.

Through this initiative, WTI provided a range of essential field equipment, including:
10 sleeping bags, 20 water bottles, 1 ketch pole, 1 extension ladder, ropes, 3 snake rescue kits, 4 rope cutters, 4 pulleys, 1 cage, 10 jackets, 10 raincoats, 10 trekking rucksacks, 16 torches, 3 camping tents, 3 binoculars, 7 first-aid boxes, 3 rescue nets, 6 searchlights, and 1 portable megaphone.

This comprehensive support, funded by your generous donation, has significantly improved the readiness and safety of the frontline forest staff, enabling them to respond more effectively in critical situations involving both wildlife and local communities.

These six interventions are a testament to the tangible difference your support makes. For forest guards working in remote camps or rushing to rescue wildlife in conflict zones, something as basic as a torch or a helmet can be life-saving.

We are deeply grateful for your belief in this mission. Your contribution has strengthened the very hands that protect India’s wild heritage—and we look forward to keeping you updated on the continued impact of your generosity.

Thank you for standing with India’s forest guardians.

Warm regards,
Team WTI

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Jan 17, 2025
Empowering the Frontline Heroes

By Monica Verma | Officer in Charge

Field gear for Sathupally base camp watchers

Frontline forest staff are unsung heroes, working tirelessly under extreme conditions to protect India's natural heritage. Their dedication to safeguarding wildlife and forests comes at great personal risk, and their efforts are critical in combating poaching, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and preserving biodiversity. Thanks to your generous support, we have provided them with essential training, equipment, and financial aid in cases of injury or death on duty, ensuring their families receive timely assistance.

Here’s how your contributions are making a real difference:

1. Anti-poaching support in Sathupally Forest Division, Telangana

Fifteen tribal youth, employed as base camp watchers in Regallapadu and Chowdaram campsites, are actively involved in protecting forests and monitoring wildlife. With equipment provided through the WTI-Segré Rapid Action Fund, they conduct regular patrolling, wildlife surveys, and anti-poaching raids, seizing snares and rescuing animals. Their collaboration with the Telangana Forest Department has thwarted multiple wildlife crimes and led to the apprehension of poachers, ensuring the protection of Khammam district’s biodiversity. Your support is directly contributing to their success.

2. Anti-poaching support in Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary, established to protect the hispid hare and pygmy hog, benefits from enhanced communication among forest staff thanks to your donations. With three walkie-talkies provided through the WTI-Segré Rapid Action Fund, patrolling efforts in this remote sanctuary have significantly improved, enabling dedicated staff to effectively monitor and protect vulnerable wildlife.

3. Equipment to aid in human-wildlife conflict mitigation in Munnar Forest Division, Kerala

The escalating human-wildlife conflict in Munnar, Kerala, has made the work of frontline staff increasingly challenging. Thanks to your generosity, 64 forest watchers and 4 Rapid Response Teams are now equipped with camping gear, raincoats, waterproof jackets, and sleeping bags. These provisions are vital to ensuring that staff can continue their critical work to protect wildlife and local communities under difficult conditions.

4. Providing field gear to Palappilly Range forest staff to manage human-wildlife conflict, Kerala

In Palappilly Forest Range, where wild elephants frequently cause crop and property damage, frontline staff are now better equipped to deal with these challenges. Your support has provided essential field equipment, including headlamps, raincoats, search lights, and a thermal monocular. These tools empower forest staff to patrol effectively and manage conflicts, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and local communities.

5. Field equipment for night patrolling to monitor animal movement near Kaziranga National Park during monsoon floods

Annual floods in Kaziranga National Park place wildlife at great risk as they move to higher ground, often crossing roads and human settlements. Your donation enabled the provision of essential equipment like flashlights and ponchos, allowing forest staff to conduct better night patrolling and respond quickly to emergencies. These efforts help animals navigate the floodwaters safely while reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Your generosity not only provides essential equipment but also boosts the morale of frontline staff, empowering them to continue their tireless efforts in conservation. By strengthening their capacity, you are ensuring that they have the tools needed to protect India’s invaluable wildlife and forests. The support you’ve extended to these heroes of conservation is truly life-changing—not only for the wildlife they protect but also for their families who depend on their safety and well-being.

Thank you for making such a critical impact. Together, we are empowering frontline forest staff to continue safeguarding India’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.

Warm Regards,

Team WTI

Watchers installing camera traps in Sathupally FD

Officials nab poachers, seize illegal wildlife

Walkie-talkies provided to Barnadi FD officials

Walkie-talkie demo for Forest Department

Field gear given to RRT forest watchers, Munnar FD

Field gear to frontline staff, Palappilly Range

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Sep 4, 2024
For the Unsung Warriors

By Monica Verma | Officer in Charge

Frontline forest staff are the unsung guardians of our natural world. Like soldiers on a battlefield, they risk their lives daily, yet their sacrifices and the dangers of their jobs remain largely unrecognized. These brave men and women leave behind their families—children, spouses, and aging parents—knowing they may not return home. They venture into the wilderness with little more than their resolve, battling harsh weather, navigating treacherous terrain, and confronting deadly poachers.

The risks they face are not just fleeting moments of danger but are a constant part of every day, every minute of their working lives. A single encounter with a poacher or an enraged wild animal can result in permanent disability or death, forever altering their lives and the lives of those who depend on them. Yet, despite the constant threat to their safety and the knowledge that their sacrifices may go largely unnoticed, they continue to keep the wild safe for future generations, driven by a deep sense of duty and love for the land.

The nature of their work and the perils they face are no different from those encountered by our brave soldiers, and they deserve the same respect. Their bravery is a testament to the quiet strength of those who serve on the frontlines, ensuring that the natural world remains intact, even at the cost of their well-being.

WTI and compassionate supporters like you understand their struggles and stand in solidarity with them. We have taken their challenges as our own and are doing our best to support them. Whether it’s providing them with adequate equipment to make their jobs slightly easier, offering training to strengthen their skills, or providing monetary support and covering them under the only NGO-run supplementary accident assurance scheme pioneered by WTI, we have devised a holistic approach to boost their morale and enhance their capacity.

For instance, last quarter, in one of the forest divisions in the biodiversity-rich state of Telangana, we provided equipment support to 15 young members of the tribal community employed as forest watchers and patrolling squads at two campsites. These individuals play a crucial role in monitoring wildlife movement, combatting wildlife crime, curbing the trade in wildlife articles, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Thanks to the support, the team conducted five raids, rescued animals from illegal trade, apprehended criminals in two hunting cases, and prevented two wildlife crime incidents by detaining poachers with illegal weapons.

During the reporting period, we also provided equipment to a four-member patrolling team monitoring wildlife corridors in Kaziranga National Park, Assam. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is home to one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, tigers, bears, panthers, eastern swamp deer, and more. Annual floods in the region push wildlife to higher ground, often leading them through highways and human settlements. With this support, the team ensured safe passage for wildlife by regulating vehicular traffic, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and rescuing displaced animals. The patrolling team conducted round-the-clock surveillance, including night-time monitoring.

In addition to the equipment support, immediate monetary ex-gratia was extended to the bereaved families of Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chikkamady (names changed to maintain anonymity), both of whom tragically succumbed to wild elephant attacks while on duty. They were long-term, valued members of the frontline forest staff with unparalleled contributions to conservation. Although no amount of financial aid can replace the loss of a human life—especially that of a family’s breadwinner—this immediate support is the least we can offer to their grieving families.

None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support. Your compassion and commitment enable us to stand beside the courageous frontline forest staff, providing them with the resources and recognition they so richly deserve. Thank you for helping us make a difference in their lives and for your continued dedication to protecting our natural world. Together, we ensure that their sacrifices are acknowledged and that they have the support they need to carry out their vital work.

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