Guardians of the Wild documents WTI’s 25-year commitment to India’s frontline defenders of wildlife, including personal narratives from the field, photographs, and a gallery honouring 540 rangers who were injured or killed in the line of duty and subsequently supported by WTI.

Often referred to globally as rangers, India’s Van Rakshaks are responsible for protecting over 1,100 Protected Areas and numerous other forests and natural habitats. Their duties include round-the-clock patrolling, wildlife monitoring, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, combating wildlife crime, and responding to emergencies, often under life-threatening conditions.
Launched in 2000, WTI’s Van Rakshak Project (VRP), supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), aims to build a strong, well-equipped, and motivated force of frontline forest staff across India.