How All-Women Team In Assam's Kaziranga Battles Poaching Head-On

At the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, an extraordinary force clad in olive greens stands as a symbol of commitment to wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation. The 'King Cobra Camp,' established in 2023 in the park's Eastern Range of Agoratoli, boasts six dedicated members who form an all-woman anti-poaching team, safeguarding the precious biodiversity of one of India's most iconic natural reserves.

Women at the Forefront

Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proudly houses 54 female frontliners, comprising forest guards, foresters, and members of the Rhino Protection Force. This diverse cadre of dedicated women embodies the spirit of standing tall against the scourge of poaching and habitat degradation.

Director Sonali Ghosh, while talking to Press Trust of India, reflects on this milestone with pride, emphasising the significance of women's participation in safeguarding the park's ecological treasures. She stresses how this achievement is a testament to Kaziranga's commitment to gender equality and environmental conservation, setting a precedent for future generations.

The recruitment drive spearheaded by the Assam Forest Department in 2023 saw a surge of over 2,500 frontliners, including 300 young women from the northeastern states. These women, equipped with firm resolve and a deep-seated passion for wildlife, have seamlessly integrated into the park's operational framework.

Equal Footing in Conservation

The all-woman camp members, consisting of five forest guards and one forester, seamlessly integrate into the park's broader conservation efforts. Engaged in rigorous patrolling and jungle duties alongside their male counterparts, these women contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the park.

Forest Guard Rashmi Bora, a member of the all-woman camp, emphasized the continuous learning experience within the park. Despite the undeniable hard work, she expressed the satisfaction of gaining crucial information about various wildlife species and their conservation needs for a balanced environment. Bora's sentiment echoes the dedication and passion that drive these women in their daily duties.

A Day in the Life

The members of the all-woman camp are entrusted with a myriad of responsibilities, ranging from patrolling the park's vast expanse to engaging with tourists and local communities. Engaged in foot and drone patrolling, these guardians of the wilderness remain vigilant against poaching activities and human-animal conflicts.

A typical day for the all-woman team begins at 7 am, embarking on foot or elephant-back patrolling along the embankment areas from 6 pm. Their focus extends to vulnerable areas within the range, aiming to prevent animals from straying into neighboring villages, thereby minimizing human-animal conflicts.

Forest Guard Priyanka Bharali sheds light on their daily routine, which commences at dawn with rigorous patrolling efforts. Their proactive approach towards safeguarding vulnerable areas and mitigating potential threats underscores their unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.

Challenges Faced and Overcome

Forest Guard Deepamoni Mili also highlighted the unforeseen circumstances the team encounters, requiring quick decisions to resolve issues. She recounted instances when blank fires were necessary to deter animals during tourist safaris, ensuring the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

Guard Deepanjali Bora emphasized the need for strict adherence to rules and regulations by tourists. Managing situations where animals come too close or visitors disrupt the peace with loud conversations, the women navigate challenges with resilience and commitment to their conservation mission.

Rigorous Training and Preparedness

Director Ghosh highlighted the comprehensive training the women undergo to handle wildlife encounters and external factors impacting conservation. After recruitment, a rigorous three-month training program at state police training centers equips them with the skills needed for their roles. This training, coupled with specialized modules in forestry and wildlife, ensures the women are well-prepared for the challenges they may face.

Kaziranga's all-woman team exemplifies a paradigm shift in wildlife conservation. Their dedication, skills, and commitment redefine traditional roles, setting a benchmark for inclusive and effective conservation efforts.