Wildlife Rangers

This summer, we’re delighted to share a glimpse into the vital work of wildlife rangers that your support makes possible, and the effects that this has for India’s wildlife and the communities who live alongside them.

On the frontlines of rhino protection, our four DSWF-supported K9 sniffer dog units continue to play a vital role. Each team made up of a highly trained dog and their dedicated handler is now strategically stationed in key rhino-bearing areas across Assam. These include Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and multiple ranges of Kaziranga National Park. Working alongside forest officials, police and the Special Rhino Protection Force, these K9 units carry out joint patrols and enforcement operations, helping deter illegal activity and respond rapidly when threats emerge.

In the heart of Kaziranga, August marks a dramatic seasonal shift as we enter the peak monsoon season. The monsoon rains swell the rivers of Kaziranga, flooding large parts of the park and triggering sweeping movements of wildlife. Deer, rhinos and elephants amongst plenty more seek higher ground, and tigers, ever adaptable, follow their prey into these new areas. These conditions can increase the chances of human-wildlife conflict, particularly around the park’s fringes, where displaced animals pass close to villages and farmland. Our support ensures rangers and rapid response teams are ready, trained and equipped to step in, helping prevent conflict and protect both people and big cats.

Tigers in this season often become more elusive, seeking shelter in the dense undergrowth left lush and thick by the rains. The abundance of water and cover supports a spike in prey availability, and females with cubs take advantage of this temporary richness to feed and raise their young. Monitoring tigers during the monsoon requires skill, patience and deep knowledge of the landscape, all of which your generosity helps to sustain through ranger patrols and field-based research.

None of this work would be possible without you. From the majestic rhino to the elusive tiger, your support is equipping rangers with the equipment and knowledge to protect wildlife at every stage of life, from the youngest calf to the oldest bull. Thank you for standing with us and for making a tangible difference in the work of Wildlife Rangers.