Search for: chhattisgarh

Toiling in the sweltering sun for hours to sow the seeds for a crop that will one day flourish and yield a means of survival — such is the life of India’s farmers. With their entire livelihood depending on a successful harvest season, their land is their mainstay. In Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, 80% of the population engages in[…]

In the 1920s amidst the myriad of political, social, and cultural changes India was experiencing, a peculiar yet integral occurrence happened in the heart of the subcontinent - the elephants of central India disappeared! The cause of this disappearance remains unknown but is attributed to anthropogenic pressures such as rapid deforestation. The[…]

Wildlife SOS with the assistance of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, successfully radio-collared the matriarch of a wild elephant herd in Mahasamund area of Chhattisgarh in the year 2018. With the help of the radio-collar, we were able to establish and Early Warning Alert System (EWAS) in the surrounding areas to avert situations of[…]

Wildlife SOS with the assistance of the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, successfully radio-collared the matriarch of a wild elephant herd in Mahasamund area of Chhattisgarh in the year 2018. With the help of the radio-collar, we were able to establish and Early Warning Alert System (EWAS) in the surrounding areas to avert situations of conflict.[…]

With an expanse of dry, deciduous forest intertwined with evergreen sal and peepal trees, the breathtaking landscape of Chhattisgarh serves as the ideal habitat for a thriving wild elephant population. The forest ecosystem also supports a healthy sloth bear population due to the rocky terrain and natural caves that provide shelter from[…]

Before the late 1980s, elephants had all but disappeared from the state of Chhattisgarh. There were large swathes of forests in the neighbouring southern Jharkhand and northern Odisha, which acted as a safe haven for the elephants. As such, migration to the state of Chhattisgarh was rarely recorded. However, the elephants were merely living over a […]

Last year during the rainy month of September, the Wildlife SOS team was provided with the perfect field conditions that enabled them to successfully radio-collar Van Devi, the matriarch of 16 wild elephants. The radio-collaring of the matriarch was a part of a long-term strategy that Wildlife SOS team has been developing to mitigate the[…]

During the hot, sultry summer month of June, a team of experts from Wildlife SOS and the Chhattisgarh Forest Department comprising of field biologists, elephant trackers, veterinary staff and forest rangers arrived to defuse an extremely tense situation at the villages of Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh. The gravity of the task awaiting them was no[…]

At dusk, the elephants come. Two large bulls soundlessly enter the paddy fields and begin wandering through the standing crop, their powerful trunks breaking large bales of the crop at its stalk and stuffing it into their mouths. Underfoot, the massive weight of their bodies crush through the crop that they do not eat. A member of the Wildlife[…]

As part of our ongoing human-elephant conflict mitigation project in the north Indian state of Chhattisgarh in collaboration with the state Forest Department, we plan on tracking the movements of one particular herd through radio telemetry, the first step of which is naturally to radio collar the three pivotal elephants – the matriarch of the[…]

1.)  How will putting on collars help reduce the conflict and keep the elephants safe? Putting satellite collars on the elephants allows our team of trackers to more effectively track the elephants' movements and map out their behaviour. This allows us to predict potential conflict before it occurs, and provide an early warning to the Rapid[…]

Nestled in the river basin of the mighty Mahanadi river, the district of Mahasamund has found itself faced with a unique and complicated dilemma. The region had not seen any wild elephants till a few years ago, when not one, but nineteen elephants wandered into the area and decided to make it their home. The elephants were faced with unfamiliar[…]

At Wildlife SOS, the commitment to biodiversity conservation extends far beyond the walls of the rehabilitation centres. Multiple stakeholders, including forest and government officials, conservation researchers and the youth, are actively engaged through a diverse range of outreach events to promote environmental stewardship and wildlife[…]

Technology permeates every aspect of people's lives, and as the world takes swift steps with technologically-aided services, wildlife conservation initiatives are employing these as well. Conservation technology aims to maximise the capacity of technology in management systems for different environmental and conservation projects — be it[…]

Our bear collaring programs are gathering data on Himalayan brown bears and sloth bears, learning more about their behaviours to address human-bear conflict. Staff continued detailed studies of wild elephant herds in Chhattisgarh, helping to reduce conflict and informing management policy decisions. Wildlife SOS Releases Findings From[…]

Diwali, a festival of lights and prosperity that is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, somehow, ironically and tragically, thrusts into darkness the lives of the goddess’ most trusted steed. According to Hindu iconography, each of the deities in our vast pantheon is pictured with an animal chosen as their mighty ‘vahana’, their carrier. In[…]

The conservation of global biodiversity is currently in jeopardy primarily due to the loss, destruction, and fragmentation of natural ecosystems. Driven by the demands of a growing economy and an expanding human population, the Asian elephant, known scientifically as Elephas maximus, is facing a grave threat to its existence. The proliferation of […]

What exactly is nature conservation? This term has been used in different conversations, ranging from climate change, protection of animals, preservation of natural resources and even in discussions about adopting a lifestyle that is not harmful toward our surroundings. Nature conservation is indeed a broad sphere of study that covers various[…]

Wildlife SOS strongly believes that education starts from the day one decides they want to learn. Abiding by this, Wildlife SOS recently collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to host a field tour and an awareness session for the students of the institute, along with Dr. Parag Nigam, Head of the Veterinary Department and the Head […]

When we think of wildlife, many of us immediately think of safaris. This is why wildlife and tourism often go hand in hand. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), 7% of the world's tourism relates to wildlife tourism and this is growing at the rate of 3% annually.  The wildlife tourism industry is booming,[…]

Chhattisgarh, a jewel nestled in the heart of Central India, is nature’s treasure trove, where a plethora of wildlife thrives. Among the diverse inhabitants of this landscape stand the mighty Asian elephants. However, the presence of these gentle giants brings with it an unexpected challenge: human-elephant conflict. "These volunteers have[…]

Did you know that a tiny piece of technology known as a microchip has helped countless pet owners find their lost pets? These days, we frequently hear about pet dogs and cats getting microchipped. But what exactly does this mean? Microchips are one of the ethical methods of “tagging” animals (domestic as well as wild) for a number of[…]

In the lush landscapes of India that many Asian elephants call home, a captivating tale of gastronomic delight unfolds. These majestic animals, with their massive bodies and gentle demeanour, have appetites as grand as their presence. India's forests provide a symphony of tastes to these elephants, from the succulent grasses that tickle their[…]

“With great power, comes great responsibility.” Uncle Ben’s wise words to Spider-man have stayed with most of us throughout childhood. The United Nations declared May 16 to be The International Day of Living Together in Peace, in order to remind us that the very responsibility to lead must encompass understanding, appreciating and[…]

Volunteers become an indispensable part of NGOs, especially those advocating for the rights of voiceless animals. On International Volunteer Recognition Day 2023, Wildlife SOS takes the opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the tireless efforts of those who work towards wildlife conservation. These unsung heroes come from various walks of life,[…]

In the vast lands of southern India, roam the continent’s largest land creatures: Elephants. They move from one forest patch to another along with their fellow herd members. While foraging vegetation to satiate their hefty appetite, they venture into an agricultural field and raid the freshly grown crops. The locals and farmers are startled and […]

It is a well-known fact that elephants are the largest terrestrial animals. This also means that these giants require an enormous space as their habitat. A size ranging from 550 to 700 square kilometres has been estimated as a typical home range for female Asian Elephants in India. To seek food and water resources, elephants are known to move[…]

Main photo above: GPS collaring a wild elephant like Van Devi is extremely challenging, expensive and dangerous. As elephants began to return to central Chhattisgarh after an absence of over 50 years, human-elephant conflicts became more common. Not only did elephants pose a risk to human lives but also to human livelihoods, as elephants would […]

It’s easy to forget how much our own survival depends on the protection of the natural world. Our very existence is intrinsically linked to forests and animals. From snakes that control our rodent population, mighty elephants that fertilise the soil with their dung, to glaciers that provide us with safe drinking water — without a healthy[…]

During the summer and spring seasons in the dry tropical forests of India, a particular tree blooms. Its flowers, fruits and leaves fill the forest with an irresistible scent that lures humans and animals alike. Sloth bears, elephants, deer, fruit bats and Langurs feast on its fruits and flowers. With its alcoholic properties, the leaves and[…]

Imagine that you are travelling on a dimly lit road in the middle of the night. The veil of clouds has completely covered the light from the moon and stars, and there are hardly any street lamps along the road to light your path. You hear a rustling sound from the trees and bushes that line the sides of the road when suddenly, you confront a wild […]

Popularly known as the ‘festival of lights’, Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar. People all around India celebrate the festival by lighting lamps, exchanging gifts, distributing sweets, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. According to Hindu mythology, the Goddess uses an owl, specifically the Barn owl, as her vehicle, […]

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is the largest mammal living on the land of Asia, and occupies the Southern and Southeastern parts of the continent. This species ranges from northern India to the southern tip of the Sumatran islands. While its African cousins are slightly larger in size and have discernable physical characteristics, Asian[…]

Today, of the 350 turtle species in the world, nearly half of them are endangered. With earliest fossils dating back to almost 220 million years ago – to the period of dinosaurs – turtles are the oldest living reptile group to exist currently. These reptiles play a crucial role in the natural world. In the food web, they act as predators, but […]

This is the story of two different kinds of elephants roaming two separate continents. Today, there are three surviving elephant species — the African Savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana), the African Forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). If we trace their origin, the prehistoric ancestors of these[…]

Recently, a group of Assistant Forest Conservator (ACF) officer trainees from the Central Academy for State Forest Service, Coimbatore visited the Wildlife SOS Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF). A total of 43 officer trainees came from six different states — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. All […]

If you find yourself in an unfamiliar area, you can simply approach a passerby or open up a map app to ask for directions. Despite the language barrier or cultural differences, there is always a chance that you can be guided to your destination. What do you do in a situation where humans cannot help you and Google maps fail to be of much use?[…]

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) refers to a computer system that collects geographical information and allows us to analyse these spatial datasets. GIS is widely used in map-oriented mobile phone applications that enable us to order food, check traffic data or to navigate. Constantly updated information via GIS assists in long-term weather[…]

The unflappable demeanor,  infectious laughter, and optimistic spirit of Mr. Swaminathan Shamugavelu belie the arduous tasks he tackles every day as a wildlife biologist at Wildlife SOS. Mr. Swaminathan has ventured into the dense forests of Chhattisgarh to radio collar a wild elephant, traversed rocky terrains to study sloth bears, and[…]

Webbed limbs and super-tough shells - turtles sure are one of the most charismatic creatures on our planet. They can be found in a myriad of habitats ranging from deep seas to dense evergreen forests. An individual can grow up to six feet in length, and some can even swim over 37,000 kilometers!   Turtles belong to the group of[…]

Every day at Wildlife SOS is a new and unpredictable ride, especially for the field team that is always working in close proximity to various species that inhabit our country! One moment Wildlife SOS veterinarians could be going through the diet plan for the resident bears at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, and in the next they could be[…]

India is home to the world’s four bear species - the Himalayan Brown Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, Sun Bear, and the more commonly found, Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus). Dispersed in patches throughout the mainland, sloth bears occupy a wide range of habitats like grasslands, scrublands, dry, and moist tropical forests. The species is distinguished[…]

From fairy tales like ‘Goldilocks and The Three Bears’ to stories like ‘The Jungle Book’, bears have made an appearance in literature and media throughout modern history. These are charismatic species and some of them are among the largest land animals on this planet. Today, we find a total of eight bear species in the world, out of which […]

At every sunrise and every sunset, our resident elephants of ECCC embark on their daily walk towards an ethereal patch of land adjacent to our center. The chirps of various birds fill the air as our elephants step on the soft grass, walking amidst mesmerizing green trees, a variety of plants, and shrubs. This luscious land that our elephants[…]

Elephants have always been seen across various cultures as a symbol of strength and wisdom. The motif of the Asian elephant has been prevalent in mythology since time immemorial, with the giants featuring in art, poetry, steatite seals, and other items found in archaeological excavations. Despite being a fascinating species and a cultural[…]

In 2021 we have a lot to be proud of. Even though the pandemic created some new challenges, we were still able to move our campaigns forward in the interest of helping and conserving India’s wildlife. In summary, here are five areas that we are most proud of as an organization for 2021. SUPPORT THE LIFESAVING WORK OF WILDLIFE SOS #1 -[…]

Hailing from the rich cultural heritage town of Puttukottai in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Ilayaraja Selvaraj has been an integral part of the Wildlife SOS family for the past 18 years. He is presently the Deputy Director of Veterinary Operations and Research at Wildlife SOS. Dr. Ilayaraja’s unmatched zeal and his larger-than-life attitude make him one of[…]

What to do when you encounter a wild elephant? Human-elephant conflict is on a steady rise, posing a serious threat to the lives of both humans and wild elephants in India. Wildlife SOS condemns the unfortunate incident in the Masinagudi area in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu where a wild bull elephant became a victim of human-elephant conflict and was[…]

A most commonly observed phenomenon - man animal conflict - has been one of the biggest challenges to conservation efforts in the twenty-first century. For wildlife conservation organizations like Wildlife SOS, it is a frequent occurrence to chance upon such cases– countless animals like hyenas, elephants, leopards and bears have been rescued[…]

In the area of conservation, the most important aspect becomes the recognition of co-existence, but when a farmer wakes up to his crops raided by a herd of hungry elephants who are merely fending for themselves, it becomes very difficult to instill a feeling of co-existence. Over two years ago, news came from Central India about a herd of wild[…]

Wildlife biologists make use of two kinds of technology to study and track wildlife and birds, Radio-Telemetry and GPS (Global Positioning System). VHF Radio-telemetry (VHF = very high frequency) is older than GPS and has been used to study wildlife since the 1960s. This technology makes use of a transmitter and a receiver and requires field[…]

India is a country rich in biodiversity and has a blend of cultures and a rich heritage that emphasizes the mythological importance of elephants that are prolific in Indian art, architecture, folklore and popular culture. Elephants are worshipped as avatars of the Elephant God “Lord Ganesh” but also, in ancient India they were used in battle[…]

The incidents in the recent past have surely questioned our basic sense of humanity and the concept of co-existence to our core, especially with people conspiring to put wild elephants in harm’s way by poisoning them or keeping explosives in their way. What restores faith in humanity, in these troubled times, is news from Tamil Nadu where[…]

India is one of the seventeen megadiverse countries of the world. Being home to 7-8% of the world’s recorded species, from top predators such as the Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers to large herbivores such as the Asian elephant and one-horned rhino sustain several complex ecosystems in India. This rich fauna has not just been an integral part of[…]

Chhattisgarh with its tropical dry deciduous forests along with patches of rocky terrain serves as a suitable habitat for the sloth bear population in the country. Rapid human encroachment into the scrub forests and settlements in the buffer area periphery has led to an increased number of man-animal conflict situations. Habitat degradation and[…]

Spread across the forested terrains of Central India, Chhattisgarh contains a major part of the sloth bear population of the country.  In recent years, the state has witnessed an increase in incidents of man-animal conflicts, predominantly problems relating to sloth bears. Animals like elephants, wild boar, nilgai and sloth bears often venture[…]

01st March 2017 The District Forest Officer of Sonbhadra in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh reaches out to Wildlife SOS regarding an elephant that has strayed into the Renukoot division within his district. He identifies the elephant as a young bull, and suspects that it has ventured here from the neighbouring states of Chhattisgarh or[…]

By Aishuwarya Sudarshan Wildlife SOS celebrated Wildlife Week this year with the usual pomp and enthusiasm as always in the past. Wildlife SOS team members in different parts of India organized and participated in awareness activities and events for wildlife sensitization. Awareness programs, documentary screening, nature walks and participation[…]

By Aishuwarya Sudarshan Our Forest Watch team received a tip off about a few men in a remote district of Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, who looked suspicious and were snooping around the village holding a parcel that looked a little fishy.   The district adjacent had a police station and with the help of Wildlife SOS a decoy was primed and was[…]

In an effort to ensure that the recently ended Dancing Bear practice has no reason to rear its ugly head, Wildlife SOS working closely with the District Collector of Bilaspur provided rehabilitation assistance to the last of the Kalandar families in Chorbatti village of Chattisgarh who surrendered their dancing bears to the State Forest[…]