FOREST FUTURES
AMANGARH TIGER RESERVE
Community and Conservation in Amangarh Tiger Reserve
Protecting wildlife, supporting forest guardians and building a more resilient future for Amangarh Tiger Reserve.
Project Location
Amangarh Tiger Reserve,
Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, India
Project Partner
Explorers Against Extinction-UK
https://explorersagainstextinction.co.uk
Project Period
2026-2027
OUR FIRST CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE
Amangarh Tiger Reserve is a small but strategically important protected foreast in the Terai Arc Landscape of northern India.
Situated alongside the wider Corbett landscape, Amangarh provides valuable habitat for tigers, elephants, leopards and many other species. It also supports wildlife movement beyond the increasingly crowded habitats of Corbett.
Despite its ecological importance, Amangarh remains comparatively under-resourced and receives very limited tourism. Wildlife Guardians Trust has chosen this remarkable landscape as the starting point for its conservation journey.
Our aim is to support practical, locally relevant initiatives that protect wildlife, strengthen frontline conservation and improve coexistence between neighbouring communities and the forest.
WHY AMANGARH MATTERS
Covering approximately 95 square kilometres, Amangarh acts as an important buffer and stepping-stone habitat within the greater Corbett landscape.
Its forests, grasslands, seasonal wetlands and riverine habitats support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including:
- An estimated 28 tigers connected to the wider Corbett population
- Asian elephants, frequently moving in large herds
- Leopards, sloth bears, jackals and smaller carnivores
- Chital, sambar, barking deer, nilgai and wild boar
- More than 130 recorded species of resident and migratory birds
Notable birdlife includes the critically endangered red-headed vulture, sarus crane, Indian pitta, paradise flycatcher and several species of hornbill and woodpecker.
THE CHALLENGE
Amangarh’s wildlife faces growing pressure from water scarcity, habitat limitations and increasing interaction with surrounding communities.
During the hottest months, several natural and artificial water sources can dry out. This places considerable stress on wildlife—particularly elephants, which require substantial quantities of water—and may encourage animals to move beyond protected boundaries in search of resources.
The reserve also relies on a small team of locally recruited Forest Watchers. These frontline guardians patrol the forest, monitor wildlife and help protect it against illegal grazing, poaching and other threats.
Despite the importance of their work, many Forest Watchers are employed on a contractual basis and may lack essential equipment such as suitable uniforms and protective footwear.
OUR RESPONSE
Forest Futures has been created to address immediate conservation needs while helping to establish a longer-term, community-supported model for Amangarh.
The project will be implemented in carefully monitored stages.
PHASE ONE: EQUIPPING FOREST WATCHERS
Forest Watchers are the eyes and ears of Amangarh.
The project will provide seasonal uniforms and durable boots to help improve their safety, visibility and effectiveness while working in demanding forest conditions.
This support will:
- Make authorised Forest Watchers easier to identify
- Improve safety and comfort during patrols
- Strengthen their authority and professional identity
- Recognise their vital contribution to wildlife protection
- Build morale among those serving on conservation’s front line
Supporting Forest Watchers is one of the most direct ways of strengthening grassroots wildlife protection.
PHASE ONE : BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY
The next stage of Forest Futures will explore opportunities to provide training and development for Amangarh’s local nature guides.
Training may include:
- Wildlife identification and natural history
- Responsible wildlife viewing
- Visitor safety and professional conduct
- Nature interpretation and storytelling
- Conservation awareness
- Communication and hospitality skills
By strengthening local guiding skills, the project can help improve visitor experiences while creating greater livelihood opportunities connected with conservation.
PHASE TWO: SUPPORTING WATER AND WILDLIFE
Solar-powered water pumps will help replenish important waterholes during the dry season.
Reliable access to water can:
- Reduce stress on wildlife during periods of extreme heat
- Support elephants and other species through the dry season
- Encourage wildlife to remain within protected areas
- Help reduce the risk of conflict in neighbouring villages
- Improve the overall resilience of the forest ecosystem
Solar power provides a practical and environmentally responsible way to maintain water availability in areas where conventional electricity may not be accessible.
COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVATION
The villages surrounding Amangarh depend largely on agriculture and live with the everyday realities of sharing their landscape with tigers, elephants, leopards and other wildlife.
For conservation to succeed, these communities must be recognised as essential partners—not treated as separate from the forest.
Responsible, low-impact nature tourism has the potential to create alternative livelihoods, develop local skills and ensure that communities receive meaningful benefits from protecting wildlife.
Our long-term ambition is to help create a model in which conservation supports people and people become the strongest guardians of conservation.
LOOKING AHEAD
Amangarh has the potential to become an inspiring example of community-supported conservation.
Its rich biodiversity, important connection with the Corbett landscape and authentic wilderness character make it a conservation area of considerable significance.
By improving water security, supporting Forest Watchers, developing local skills and encouraging responsible tourism, Forest Futures aims to help build a safer and more resilient future for Amangarh.
This is only the beginning.
Wildlife Guardians Trust is committed to working carefully and consistently—one project, one partnership and one meaningful action at a time.
OUR APPROACH
PRACTICAL
We focus on clearly identified needs that can create meaningful change on the ground.
COMMUNITY-LED
We listen to local people, Forest Watchers, guides and conservation stakeholders before developing solutions.
RESPONSIBLE
Our work aims to protect the ecological integrity of Amangarh while encouraging carefully managed, low-impact tourism.
COLLABORATIVE
We work with conservation partners, local communities and relevant authorities to create lasting results.
SCALABLE
Every intervention will be introduced in phases, monitored and developed according to its effectiveness and the evolving needs of the landscape.
OUR CONSERVATION PARTNER
EXPLORERS AGAINST EXTINCTION -UK (https://explorersagainstextinction.co.uk/ )
Forest Futures is being supported in partnership with Explorers Against Extinction, a UK-based conservation initiative that works to protect threatened species and vulnerable habitats worldwide.
This partnership brings together international conservation support and Wildlife Guardians Trust’s commitment to practical, locally rooted action in Amangarh.
GET INVOLVED
You can help us protect Amangarh’s wildlife and support the people working on its front line.
SUPPORT THE PROJECT
Help fund practical conservation initiatives, including water security and equipment for Forest Watchers.
(Create QR code for payment?)
PARTNER WITH US
Collaborate with Wildlife Guardians Trust through conservation partnerships or Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
VOLUNTEER
Share your skills, experience or time to support conservation awareness and community engagement.
FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS
See project updates, field stories and photographs documenting the people and wildlife of Amangarh.
Together, we can help create a future where wildlife, forests and communities thrive.
tarvinder.kaur@servicesepc.org
9818022633
Support Email ID: support.indiausatrade@mea.gov.in
Registration Link : https://indiausatrade.mea.gov.in/register