Wildlife census conducted at Kawal Tiger Reserve to curb poaching, engage locals

Hyderabad: In a unique blend of science and community spirit, Telangana’s Forest Department has kicked off a wildlife headcount at Kawal Tiger Reserve. But this isn’t just clipboards and binoculars—locals are at the heart of the effort.

Villagers, volunteers, and forest staff teamed up, tiptoeing through the forest under strict rules: no talking, no phones, no flashlights. The goal? Keep the animals undisturbed and get a real glimpse into their lives, especially during the brutal summer, when the search for water brings them out into the open.

But counting animals wasn’t the only mission. The operation doubled as a quiet guard against nighttime poaching, which tends to spike this time of year.

Even more powerful? The way it brought people and nature closer together. By involving local communities directly, officials are hoping to turn them into long-term guardians of the forest.

Experts say this approach hits the sweet spot—mixing grassroots involvement with sharp scientific methods. It’s a shift in how protected areas are being managed, and it just might be the way forward.