TERAI TIGER PROJECT

The Terai landscape of Uttar Pradesh is a unique mosaic where people, agriculture, and wildlife coexist in close proximity. This region supports a high human population density and intensive cultivation of cash crops, such as sugarcane. This region also shelters thriving populations of big cats such as tigers and leopards within its Protected Areas (PAs) and Tiger Reserves (TRs).

Sugarcane fields dominate the fringes of these protected areas. These fields often serve as ideal hiding spots for big cats, bringing them into close contact with people. Over the past decade (2014–2024), this proximity has resulted in 142 human fatalities (94 caused by tigers and 48 by leopards) and 181 cases of serious injury due to human-carnivore conflict, leading to rising conflict incidents, which have also led to increased deaths of tigers and leopards.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) partnered with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) in 2008–09. Initially, WTI was brought in to assist with the capture of three tigers that had moved outside their natural habitat. Following the successful completion of that task, WTI was entrusted with developing a long-term strategy to address the growing conflict. This led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WTI and the UP Forest Department, with funding support from NTCA, marking the launch of the UP Carnivore Conservation Project.

From Reactive to Proactive

In its early phase, the project primarily relied on capturing conflict animals as a reactive measure. However, by 2014, it became evident that capturing big cats was neither a sustainable nor an effective long-term solution. The project strategy was thus overhauled, shifting towards proactive conflict mitigation.

The core aim of the project is to reduce the negative impacts of human-big cat conflicts in the Dudhwa-Pilibhit-Katerniaghat landscape. This is done through a combination of biological, veterinary, and sociological interventions. One of the key goals is to minimise the need to capture tigers and leopards during conflict situations, by building a faster, more efficient response system and strengthening the capacity of the forest department’s frontline staff.

A major focus of the project is on empowering local communities, especially the youth, to take an active role in conflict mitigation. To build local ownership, a network of Primary Response Teams (PRTs) has been established. These are voluntary groups made up of trained community members who assist during conflict situations. Their responsibilities include crowd management, awareness building, data collection, and monitoring the movement of conflict-prone animals.

WTI RRT setting up camera traps in the field | Photograph by Madhumay Mallik/WTI

Currently, 86 trained PRT members across 15 teams actively support the forest department’s Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). They help manage crowds, relay timely information, and assist during animal rescues. PRT members receive regular training, are equipped with the necessary tools, and are acknowledged for their valuable contributions.

The RRTs also engage with families affected by conflict, holding consultations to provide support and develop practical solutions. They play a key role in sensitising local communities on safety practices to follow during human-wildlife encounters.

To reduce dependency on forest resources, particularly firewood, the project promotes the use of Improved Cook Stoves (ICS). These stoves, made from locally available materials, have been shown to cut firewood consumption by up to 40%. This not only helps conserve forests but also improves indoor air quality, benefiting the health of users, primarily women.

Women organised in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are trained to make, install, and maintain these cookstoves. They also receive financial support to scale up adoption. This initiative has empowered women with new skills, created livelihood opportunities, and significantly reduced their need to venture into forests for fuelwood collection.

ANIDERS devices have been strategically installed in sets of five at Mandaria and Dhankuni | Photo by Team WTI

The project has also introduced Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent Systems (ANIDERs), technological solutions designed to detect and deter wild animals from entering human-dominated areas. These systems help prevent crop damage, protect property, and improve public safety, offering an additional layer of conflict prevention.

This long-term, community-driven initiative is a testament to how coexistence with big cats is possible when conservation efforts are proactive, inclusive, and rooted in local realities. By bringing together forest officials, scientists, local communities, and technology, the UP Carnivore Conservation Project is paving the way for safer shared spaces for both humans and wildlife.

PARTNERS: Uttar Pradesh Forest Department  / Chester Zoo

PROJECT LEAD: Abhishek Ghoshal