This division seeks to create a strong, well-equipped and motivated force of frontline field staff that can curb poaching and habitat degradation in wildlife areas.

Its main objectives are;

• To collect wildlife PA staff data, poaching and wildlife seizure data and wildlife mortality data from official sources in a systematic manner throughout the country.

• To train wildlife staff in general, wildlife protection, anti-poaching, wildlife law and requisite arms training or unarmed combats.

• To equip forests staff to undertake effective anti-poaching operations.

• To recognize and reward good efforts to boost field staff morale.

• To make field staff aware of the issues and conservation techniques in use in various PAs of the country.

• To create a network of frontline field staff such that, communication and exchange of ideas and experiences can flow through the linkages throughout the country.

Wildlife and forestry, has traditionally been managed in India under a single administrative organization within the forest departments of each state or union territory, with the role of central government being mainly advisory and providing central government funds. After the Wildlife (Protection) Act was enacted in 1972 it provided for the protection of wild animals and birds in the concurrent list of the constitution giving the union some legislative control over the states in the conservation of wildlife. This and the adoption of a National Policy for Wildlife Conservation in 1970 lead to a significant growth in the protected areas network, which increased from 5 national parks and 60 sanctuaries in the early 70s to 89 national parks and 482 sanctuaries, in the year 2000.

All activities conducted by WTI under the Van Rakshak project are designed to be supportive of forest department efforts and not to duplicate or replace the duties or role of the official machinery. Keeping this in mind, the programme is mandated to run in a state only with the express mandate from the state and is essentially a collaborative programme with the state.

Training of frontline field staff is essential to have a skilled set of people guarding India ’s wildlife. Most staff is trained in forestry and silvi-culture practices during their mandatory training. This division also puts emphasis on equipping wildlife PA personnel by providing field gear. Unique sets of field equipment for forest guards have been developed for suiting the necessities in broad climatic and geographic zones, like Peninsular Anti-poaching Kit, High Altitude Anti-poaching Kit etc. This may include but is not limited to a field rucksack, sleeping bag, ground sheet, jacket, raincoat or rain suit, boots, torch, water bottle, cap etc. While these sets are exclusively to be given along with the first training module and is limited to the rank of forest ranger and under, certain equipment may also be given to the senior forest officers.

For creating awareness among the wildlife PA field personnel, this division will also address the needs to communicate, exchange of ideas and experiences among the staff posted in wildlife areas. Besides all these, trained, equipped and an aware staff would by themselves have high morale but may need further injections of morale boosting in order to get them to achieve their best.

Therefore, this division also aims to insure field staff against accidental death or permanent disability as a supplementary staff insurance scheme, give ex-gratia relief in case insurance cover does not extend to bereavement or need, to recognize individual effort through ‘Van-Rakshak’ certificates of merit and to give national awards for sustained meritorious work through the Venu Menon National Animal Awards ceremony held every year in Delhi.

If you need more information about this programme, please write to us at - info@wti.org.in