High rates of habitat destruction and reduced prey densities routinely force carnivores, such as tigers and leopards, into human-dominated landscapes. The ability of forest officials to respond to such emergencies is limited by a lack of training and equipment.
WCT donates specially modified 4WD vehicles to parks to help officials rescue wild animals that have strayed into human habitation. Specially-designed injury-proof carnivore trap cages have also been provided to over 20 Protected Areas.
WCT collaborates with local NGOs to carry out periodic maintenance of firearms given to forest staff in various parks. Although forest officials have firearms to use in life-threatening situations, they are not taught how to maintain them. This leads to rust developing on the inside of the firearms, increasing the chances of them malfunctioning during an emergency.
WCT has helped design thermal imaging equipment called an e-Rescuer that helps forest officials detect wild animals during the night or foggy conditions. Staff can use the device to track animals and plan their rescue operations, minimising the risk of injury to themselves.
To help tackle human-animal conflict, WCT designed Rapid Response Units (RRUs) that have been donated to forest departments across India. Each RRU consists of a specially-modified 4WD vehicle, three motorcycles, injury-proof carnivore trap cage, blow-pipe, stretcher, GPS, digital camera, sleeping bags, torches, and several other items needed during an emergency.
Detailed List Of Items Included in RRU
Recognising the benefits of RRUs, the government has started designing and deploying similar units in various parks.
