Support to Tiger Reserves & other Protected Areas
WPSI provides support to a number
of tiger reserves. Because of our large outreach in the field, WPSI
remains up-to-date on the current situation and the most pressing needs
in most tiger reserves across the country.
Over the years, two patrol boats have been donated to Corbett Tiger Reserve, along with an elephant in adjoining Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Using a coupon system with a local fuel distributor, WPSI has also
provided fuel for Forest Department vehicles for monsoon patrols. In
order to reduce wood collection and poaching pressure, gas cylinders
and cookers have been provided by WPSI to 200 families in villages
adjoining Corbett. WPSI investigators continue to assist the
authorities with anti-poaching information.
A patrol boat, communication facilities and enforcement training have been provided to the Sundarban Tiger Reserve
authorities to improve protection in this important mangrove tiger
habitat. A WPSI Tiger Conservation Awareness Center has been
constructed and established on the island of Bali, adjoining the Tiger
Reserve. The Center is also used for medical camps for the local
people. Conservation awareness activities include a micro credit scheme
and self-help groups for women, a tiger rescue team, support to a local
kindergarten school and a high school, mangrove plantation drives,
wildlife film shows, visits to schools on the fringes of the tiger
reserve, and conservation campaigns. WPSI also has a tiger rescue team
and a poaching informer network in the Sundarbans.
WPSI recently
coordinated the distribution of sleeping bags and lightweight day sacks
for the patrolling staff and field watchers of Pakke Tiger Reserve in the north-east state of Arunachal Pradesh.
In South India, field kits have been provided to the staff of Silent Valley National Park and Vellikulangara Forest range,
to improve patrolling in these large tracts of tiger and elephant
habitat. WPSI also recently provided a new wireless communication
system to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
to enhance communications in the Sanctuary and improve patrolling.
Anti-poaching camps, located in many remote areas of the Sanctuary, are
now able to communicate with each other, as well as the headquarters,
with ease.
WPSI has field officers based near a number of tiger reserves, including Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Sundarban and Tadoba Tiger Reserves.
They collect intelligence on poaching and assist the Forest Department
in gaining the confidence and goodwill of local villagers.
|
|