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(November 17, 2020) On 05th November, WCS-India conducted an online training on ‘Countering Wildlife Trafficking’ for 35 DCFs, ACFs and RFOs of the Goa Forest Department, on the topics of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, search, seizure and arrest protocols, and applications of wildlife forensics in crime scene investigation. To take these sessions we had with us, Mr. Praveen Bhargav, Managing Trustee, Wildlife First; Dr. S. P. Goyal, Scientist-G, WII and Ms. Pradipty Bhardwaj, Legal Trainer, WCS-India. ...

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(November 13, 2020) (Update written by Sourabha Rao) The last day of our IFS training course began with several IFS officers sharing their experiences of the voluntary relocation process in their areas. Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Deputy Director, South Division (Palamau Tiger Reserve); Balaji Kari, DCF, Udaipur North and Ram Karan Khairwa, CF, Wildlife, Udaipur (Sariska Tiger Reserve); N. Ravindra, CCF Southern Zone UP, Prayagraj, were the speakers. They said that with the support of senior officials and the willingness ...

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(November 12, 2020) (Update written by Sourabha Rao) Our IFS training course today began with a presentation by our very own Mutthana P. M., Senior Director of our Conservation Support Group. He explained the nuances of voluntary relocation work in Karnataka and Kerala that he and his team work on, drawing from his immense experience in the field.       "The notion that people are living harmoniously with wildlife in certain areas is far from the truth. If you spend time inter...

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(November 11, 2020) (Update written by Sourabha Rao) Today’s IFS training course began with Mr. K. K. Sunil Kumar’s presentation. He is presently working in Mannarkkad Forest division. While preparing a plan for voluntary relocation of families from Wayanad in 2003-2004, he visited the new settlements, interacted with the voluntarily relocated families and with NGOs who assisted in the relocation process and got inspired and played an important role in the process. Mr. Kumar said, "Remoteness...

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(November 10, 2020) (Update written by Sourabha Rao) The second day of our IFS training course began with the screening of a documentary film on Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Following this was a fascinating, interactive session with Mr. Gopalkrishne Gowda, retired IAS officer and Principal Secretary, Govt of Karnataka, known for his work in wildlife conservation during his various tenures in administration. He addressed the participants of our IFS training course, sharing his insights into voluntary relocation. &nbs...

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(November 09, 2020) (Update written by Sourabha Rao) Our IFS training course, which is being held online this year, started today with over 50 IFS officers from across the country. Key figures from government institutions and organisations who were and have been involved in the voluntary relocation process, have been discussing various aspects of voluntary relocation and other issues such as human-wildlife conflict.     The virtual gathering was interactive with time dedicated to question-...

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(November 04, 2020) Indian skimmer seen along the riverine habitats of Godavari river ©Giridhar MallaRiver channels and adjacent riparian zones play critical ecological roles, which include supporting rich and unique biodiversity. However, these habitats are increasingly being subjected to large-scale modifications resulting in their loss and degradation. In a recently published short communication, WCS-India Associates Paromita Ray and Giridhar Malla document the importance of the riverine and riparian h...

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(October 19, 2020) The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is a ‘Critically Endangered’ species under the IUCN Red List. It has the highest resident breeding population in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. It is believed that the total world population of the species in the wild is less than 100 individuals. The Thar landscape in western Rajasthan is home not only to this bustard  but it also boasts the highest livestock population in Rajasthan, and some of the best quality sheep wool is collected from the ...

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(October 13, 2020) On 11th October, Counter Wildlife Trafficking (CWT) program organised a training for eighteen lawyers who donate their time pro-bono to assist enforcement agencies in cases. The aim of the exercise was to equip the lawyers with the necessary skills and knowledge to smoothly assist the officers when requested. The three hour webinar included sessions: Introduction to Wildlife Trafficking, Introduction to Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, Procedure and Documentation and, Findings of Legal Gap Analys...

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(October 01, 2020) A two hour training session on ‘Prevention of Sexual harassment at the Workplace’ was conducted for the employees at the WCS–India on 29th September 2020 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The purpose of training was to acquaint all the staff with PoSH rules and increase awareness about harassment at the workplace in order to build a culture of mutual respect and equal opportunity. Mr. Vedansh Anand, an Advocate from Lex Locum Consultants introduced the resource persons: Prof. (Dr) Rit...

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