5 POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ENTERING A FOREST

5 POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ENTERING A FOREST
-Nirmal Kulkarni

1. Always let a family member/friend/colleague know the area and approx. location or range/beat of the forest as a rule. This is the first precautionary rule that every serious amateur / professional student of ecology or wildlife enthusiast should follow. It helps a lot in the long run in times of any eventuality.
2. Always enter a Protected area with permits/ entrance tickets and after paying prescribed fees. In case of reserved forests and community forests one must inform the local forest officer or village community forest committee member before entry into a forest.
3. Read up on the area/habitat/ current social and forest related issues in the area. It is also a good habit to cross check from those who have worked in the area before. A detailed map is always an asset too.
4. First Aid Kit/ torch/water bottle/whistle/good walking shoes are essentials that one MUST have while heading out on a field trip. Do not attempt to borrow or share any of these at any time during a field trip. Get your own set of essentials and always be prepared.
5. Be very clear on why you are visiting/ entering a forest area in the first place. Is it for leisure/investigation/survey/photography- a combination of any of these or anything different? It is essential you do just that and do not change focus. Remember, forest sojourns impact wildlife too. 

 Nirmal Kulkarni can be contacted at ophidian_nirmal@yahoo.co.in

Your questions on volunteering.....answered

Read the transcript of IWC monthly online chat moderated by Jayant Kulkarni.    The Executive Director of WRCS answers all your queries.  

http://indianwildlifeclub.com/chat/chat-archive.aspx?cid=109

Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering at Melghat

FAQ on Volunteering

1. Question: I wanted to apply for volunteering in the pilot project. I am currently employed, and would like to know the format of the certificate you would like from my company.

Answer:  .We need a simple letter from your employer stating that you are employed with the company or organization and stating your designation. The letter should be on company letterhead and signed by your employer or a responsible person.


2. Question: I am shocked to hear that single women are not accepted for the WCRS programmes. It is discrimination, and implies that women are not capable of caring enough for the programme. I am deeply interested in the programme and would like to participate in the same. I can adjust with other groups, I am very strong and capable of hard work. I really hope you do away with the conservative ideology which sends wrong signals.

Answer:  " I am glad to know that you are keen to participate in wildlife conservation programs. With respect to our program please understand that there there is no intention to discriminate against women. We know fully well that many women are passionate about wildlife conservation and we would like to encourage them. The only reason for not accepting single women is safety of the participants. The protection camps of the Forest Department are located at remote places and manned by male forest staff and labourers. Hence we are unable to take responsibility for safety of single women. We are willing to accept women provided they are in a group of at least two or accompanied by a male companion. I hope you understand the rationale behind this decision. We place women volunteers in camps with relatively better facilities and closer to the Range headquarters. We would be glad to include you in the program if you can apply together with one or more companions."
Jayant Kulkarni
Executive Director, Conservation

Wildlife Research and Conservation Society

3. Question Is there a last date for applying?

Answer There is no last date for volunteering.   It is an ongoing program

Volunteer to patrol Melghat Tiger Reserve

Forest Patrolling at Melghat Tiger Reserve 

Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) is located in Amravati District of Maharashtra and is an important protected area for tiger conservation. The field staff of the tiger reserve patrols the forests regularly for protection of wildlife. Considering the vast area to be patrolled additional manpower from civil society will help to strengthen protection and enhance the status of wildlife in MTR. With this objective Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (WRCS) is implementing a pilot program for volunteer participation in patrolling activities in MTR in collaboration with the tiger reserve authorities for protection of wildlife and forests. Participation in the program will give volunteers an opportunity to witness the forests and wildlife at close quarters and contribute to wildlife conservation. Batches are sent every Sunday, it's a 1 week volunteer program, you are welcome to stay for more than 1 week.

This project is open to Indian Nationals only. 

Want to know more?   Click on the link below

http://www.indianwildlifeclub.com/Volunteer/Melghat/beAVolunteer.aspx

Why Volunteer?

Are you willing to spare a week or more for India's wilderness areas?  For an experience which will change your outlook on life forever?  Then read on.

There are a large number of issues concerning conservation of the natural environment, ranging from habitat restoration, alternative livelihoods and human-wildlife conflict, to ecosystem services and eco-tourism practices, waiting to be addressed.

These issues stand to gain tremendously from the active involvement, however small, of volunteers across different age groups and backgrounds.

A responsible and pro-active approach in volunteering is the most effective way for the citizens of India to develop a sense of responsibility and ownership towards their natural inheritance.

http://www.Indianwildlifeclub.com, in existence since 2000, has a resource group of individuals who come from Government and non government institutions working in the field of wilderness conservation.  The club also has among its members a large group of individuals with a passion to do something to protect the last vestiges of wilderness areas left in India.

We propose to offer volunteering solutions, aiming to bridge the gap between potential volunteers and exciting volunteering opportunities around the country by providing active support to conservation initiatives, both governmental and private.

Register to be part of our volunteer database today.

This blog invites posts from volunteers who may send their experiences along with photographs to susan_sharma@hotmail.com

Our vision is to create a pan-India network of motivated volunteers who will be instrumental in conservation efforts across the country.