Unsung Heroes: India's Forest Rangers Risking Lives to Protect Wildlife

A comprehensive report released on October 11, 2025, by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has shed light on the critical role and immense challenges faced by India's frontline forest staff, the "unsung heroes" who are responsible for protecting the country's vast natural heritage.

The report, titled "Guardians of the Wild: Supporting India's Frontline Forest Staff," features the personal narratives of 540 rangers, known globally as "Van Rakshaks," who were killed or injured while on duty. These forest protectors are tasked with round-the-clock patrolling, wildlife monitoring, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and combating wildlife crime, often under life-threatening conditions.

The WTI's Van Rakshak Project, launched in 2000 with the support of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), has aimed to build a strong, well-equipped, and motivated force of frontline forest staff across India. Over the past 25 years, the project has supported more than 21,000 personnel through various capacity-strengthening initiatives, including training workshops and the provision of essential field gear.

Tragically, the report also highlights the significant risks faced by these forest protectors, with India losing 18 times more forest than it gained between 2015-2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WTI extended support to 173 families of forest staff who lost their lives through a dedicated Conservation Heroes COVID Casualty Fund.

"The report reflects the WTI's commitment to protecting the interests of the frontline staff and confirms that wildlife conservation is most effective when carried out from the ground up," said Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.