It will be used for:

• Donating equipment to the RRUs (Rapid Response Unit) to various tiger reserves across the country
• To provide training to Rapid Response Unit Team members
• To equip forest outposts.

List of Tiger Reserves Identified for Receiving Rapid Reaction Units

Yes. Your donation will be exempted from tax under section 80G.

Quarterly updates will be uploaded on the NDTV website. The balance sheet of the WCT Save our Tigers account will be shared with all the donors on WCT Website (http://www.wildlifeconservationtrust.org).

It will take least four weeks to begin the process of implementation, the delivery of vehicles alone takes more than 16 weeks.

No. All chosen landscapes are equally important for wildlife and habitat conservation. Money and RRTs will be allocated as per individual requirement and size of landscape. For example, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is much smaller than Kanha Tiger Reserve and hence will require fewer number of RRTs compared to Kanha. It is important that the allocated funds are proportional to the need and feasibility. Care will be taken to ensure that no landscape is neglected or gets disproportionately benefitted at the expense of another. You can however indicate your preferences.

Yes. You will be receiving e-updates on a quarterly basis.

Some percentage of the donation will be kept aside for maintenance of the RRU's. The Forest department will be responsible for carrying out routine maintenance of all equipment included in the RRUs. The maintenance will be closely monitored by WCT.

The training will be conceptualized and conducted by experts appointed by WCT. It will comprise of the following components:

1. Protection protocol – How to utilize the RRU to reinforce patrolling in sensitive areas.
2. Wildlife rescue - How to lead a successful wildlife rescue operation? How to control a mob during emergencies?
3. Handling of equipment – How to use the Rapid Response Unit efficiently?
4. A manual stating a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for every item on RRU will form an integral part of the kit.

The shortlisted reserve should comply with all or most of the following requirements:

1. Is rich in biodiversity
2. Supports a viable tiger population, which includes between 10-15 breeding tigresses.
3. Is contiguous with other protected areas.
4. Is a place on the priority list of the government.
5. Forms a catchment for important rivers.
6. Has a high level of man-animal conflict.

WCT has a working relationship with all the above mentioned wildlife reserves. It has a dedicated team of officers working exclusively on the Save Our Tigers campaign. Through regular interactions with forest officials (Chief Wildlife Wardens, Principle Conservator of Forests, Field Directors and Deputy Conservator of Forests) and credible conservation NGOs WCT estimates the need for installation of a Rapid Response Unit/s (RRU) for a particular protected area or a corridor between two protected areas.

Simultaneously, WCT is working with the car manufacturer to modify the existing vehicle for accommodating the various accessories (listed in point 4) in the vehicle. Detailed product/market survey has been carried out to zero down on the most reliable model/equipment for the RRU. Multiple vendors (at least three) have been contacted for each item and quotations have been acquired. Without compromising on quality, the most cost-effective quotation has been sanctioned and orders placed.

Attempts are being made to ensure that the RRUs are delivered to the respective Protected Areas (Tiger Reserves as well as some adjoining landscapes) by the end of May 2011. Frequent updates on the deadline will be put up on the website closer to the delivery dates.

No.  The money collected by the Save our Tigers initiative is from non-governmental sources. Having said this, it is important to note that the government has its own budget and funds for every tiger reserve, which is utilized for paying salaries of the field staff and also protection of wildlife/forest.

Yes. WCT has a good working relationship with government officials of the shortlisted forest reserves. WCT believes in private-public partnerships to device strategies for forest management.