WTI report highlights crucial role of India’s forest protectors
A report on Wildlife Trust of India (WTI)’s 25 years of support to wildlife warriors has highlighted the role of India’s forest rangers.
The report, titled Guardians of the Wilderness: Supporting India’s Frontline Forest Personnel, lists 540 rangers killed or injured in the line of duty. Includes personal narratives from the field.
A WTI spokesperson said the report was released by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (October 11, 2025). Released with WTI Executive Director and IUCN Councilor Vivek Menon, IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes, IUCN-WPCA President Madhu Rao and Abu Dhabi Environment Agency Secretary-General Shaikha Salem al Dhaheri.
IUCN, IFAW and WPCA expand to include the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Commission on Protected Areas respectively.
The report, released during the IUCN-WCPA International Ranger Awards Ceremony at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, highlights the critical role and major challenges faced by India’s frontline forest staff, the “unsung heroes” who protect the country’s rich biodiversity.
Known worldwide as forest rangers, the Van Rakshaks of India are responsible for protecting more than 1,100 protected areas and numerous other forests and natural habitats. Their duties include 24-hour patrolling, monitoring wildlife, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, combating wildlife crime, and responding to emergencies, often under life-threatening conditions.
WTI launched the Van Rakshak Project (VRP) in 2000 with support from IFAW. It aimed to create a strong, well-equipped and motivated force of frontline forest personnel across India. The project supported more than 21,000 staff across the country through various capacity strengthening initiatives.
These include training workshops focusing on wildlife crime prevention, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and basic wildlife rescue techniques. It also includes providing essential field equipment vital for patrols and security.
A key component of the VRP is the Supplementary Accident Assurance Program, which offers immediate financial assistance to frontline forest personnel, including temporary and casual workers, in the event of line-of-duty injury or death.
Since 2001, financial assistance has been provided to 367 frontline staff or their families, with approximately 74% of these cases resulting in death. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WTI supported the families of 173 forest personnel who lost their lives through the Conservation Heroes COVID Casualty Fund.
“The significant risks faced by India’s frontline forest personnel underscore the importance of ensuring their well-being. The report reflects WTI’s commitment to protecting the interests of frontline personnel and confirms that wildlife conservation is most effective, starting from the top,” Mr. Singh said.
“This report honors the courage, resilience and sacrifice of India’s Van Rakshaks and underlines the urgent need for greater investment, recognition and support for those protecting our natural heritage,” Mr. Menon said.
“Frontline forest staff are the backbone of conservation, often risking their lives to protect wildlife and their habitats. For over two decades, IFAW has stood in solidarity with these brave individuals in India, supporting them, learning from them and bearing witness to their extraordinary courage,” Mr Downes said.
It was published – 12 October 2025 15:16 IST
