The Nilgiri Conservation Project
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in India. The Nilgiris, meaning ‘Blue Mountains’, sits at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, serving as a vital biodiversity corridor and an expansive water catchment area in peninsular India. Yet today, this reserve faces a mounting crisis — accelerating habitat fragmentation, growing human encroachment, and increasingly dangerous encounters between wildlife and the local communities who share this terrain.
To address these urgent challenges, Wildlife SOS, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, local administration departments and various stakeholders, has launched an initiative that brings together wildlife research, habitat conservation, conflict mitigation, and community education. The Nilgiri Conservation Project will work to safeguard the long-term survival of sloth bears and other endangered species found in the region, while fostering sustainable coexistence with the locals.
Our approach is both scientific and community-centred. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, camera trap monitoring, habitat surveys, and landscape analysis will guide on-ground conservation decisions. Intensive outreach initiatives with forest communities, frontline workers, and local stakeholders will empower them to become active in protecting wildlife.
Objective: To conduct field research on scale and patterns of human-wildlife conflict in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; map conflict hotspots; develop and implement evidence-based mitigation strategies for human-sloth bear conflict; build lasting conservation capacity within local communities and forest staff.
Scope: Detailed habitat research, population surveys, and bear-encounter assessments to formulate strategies for conflict mitigation. Provide active assistance during conflict situations, support wildlife rescues, and run public awareness campaigns in local communities.
Location/ Region: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. Key conflict zones include Coonoor, Ooty, Kotagiri, and surrounding forest divisions.
Project Goals
Establishment of a Research Interpretation Centre for data management and community engagement.
Deployment of camera traps and ecological survey equipment for wildlife monitoring.
Field and rescue kits for regular rescue and research operations.
Rescue and response vehicles for rapid deployment during wildlife emergencies.
Training programmes for forest staff, local communities, and community volunteers.
Community awareness campaigns on human-wildlife coexistence and conflict mitigation.
Expansion of conflict response and mitigation efforts to address all forms of human-wildlife conflict across the region.
Other Projects
The Nilgiri Conservation Project
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in India.
Restoring Habitats for an Equitable Future
Wildlife SOS has initiated the 'Rewild for Wildlife' project to plant native trees.
Open Wells Conservation Project
Covering up open wells of Maharashtra to prevent animals (especially leopards) from falling in.
'Dancing' Bear Project
Eradication of the barbaric 400-year-old 'dancing' bear practice in India and provide lifelong care to the bears we rescue.
Elephant Conservation & Care
Rescuing and rehabilitating captive elephants from abusive conditions and providing lifelong care in their healing journey.
Leopard Conservation
Working towards mitigation of human-leopard conflict, and rescuing orphaned and injured leopards for lifetime care.
Tribal Rehabilitation Programme
Enable the indigenous communities to have alternative sustainable livelihoods after giving up their bears.
Human-Bear Conflict Mitigation
Protect and provide medical aid to bears in India vulnerable to conflict, poaching and other threats.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
Provide hotlines for the rescue, assistance and dedicated medical care to injured or displaced wildlife.
Anti-Poaching
The 'Forest Watch' programme assists the forest department and law enforcement to crack down on wildlife traffickers, poachers and smugglers.
Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation
Mitigate conflict with wild elephant herds and provide education in the Chhattisgarh region of India.
Habitat Conservation
This conservation project aims to protect precious sloth bear habitat near the Ramdurga Valley in Koppal, Karnataka, India.
Research & Conservation
Wildlife SOS recognises that human caring and understanding is crucial to saving wild animals and protecting the habitats.
