July 29 is the day of the wild tiger. Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) is committed to protecting the tiger and its habitat through holistic and science-based interventions. On International Tiger Day 2019, listen to some of WCT’s experts speak about their fields of expertise and issues they tackle, as they break it down for you.
What steps is WCT taking to secure tiger populations outside Protected Areas?
WCT Head, Conservation Research, Aditya Joshi, tells us about the work done at WCT to secure tiger populations outside Protected Areas in the Central Indian Landscape. Rise in habitat loss due to anthropogenic activities is making it all the more crucial to secure our remaining tiger habitats.
What does WCT do to address the carnivore-human conflict and what is the impact of such work?
WCT Head, Human-Wildlife Interface Management, Dr. Prashant Deshmukh, talks about the on ground work that goes into resolving conflicts between carnivores and people living in and around forests in the Central Indian Landscape.
Human-animal conflict is a tricky avenue to intervene in and WCT is trying its best to support the forest department by providing them with assistance in monitoring and capture of carnivores. Swift conflict resolution is of the essence for the well-being of people and wildlife.
Why is WCT building the capacity of forest staff in wildlife crime investigation and law enforcement?
Wildlife crime is one of the leading threats the tiger faces, and WCT is working in the Central Indian Landscape to build the capacity of forest staff in crime investigation and law enforcement, which will lead to more wildlife offenders being brought to justice. India sees less than 10% conviction rate with respect to wildlife crime. We asked WCT’s Forensics expert, C. Samyukta, about WCT’s wildlife law enforcement, crime investigation, and forensics training programme developed for the frontline forest staff.
Related Links
- Conservation Strategy
- Site Security Training for STPF officials
- Tiger Matters – A Documentary on our 360 Degree Approach to Conservation
- Wildlife Population Estimation
- 12000 Forest Officers Trained in Wildlife Law Enforcement
- Law Enforcement
- Forensics in Wildlife Crime Investigation