Wildlife Rescue and Wildlife Protection

Community involvement Wildlife Rescue and Release

Wildlife Rescue and reward system is initiated. For the First time, fishermen rescuing the wild animal are rewarded and felicitated. The fishermen were provided training on how to handle the endangered species. The SOPs are explained to fishermen. The community efforts have led to huge rescue operations. In Last three years ( 2022, 2023, & 2024), 221 endangered species such as Dugongs, Whales, dolphins, Sea turtles are rescued and released back to ocean by community members. More than 2 lakhs fishermen are operating in this area. It is very essential to take on board the locals for wildlife and biodiversity conservation. Community awareness is carried out through various means such as Street Plays, campaigns, pledges, etc. Moreover, a Community Radio station, such as Kadal osai FM 90.4, is being used to generate the awareness among local fishermen.

Two Dugongs rescued near Thondi area on 22-04 2022

One Dugong was rescued at Mookaiyur on 08-11-2022

One Dugong was rescued at Naripaiyur on 07-12-2022

One Dolphin was rescued at Naripaiyur on 19-11-2022

Two Dolphins were rescued at Seelameenpaadu on 16-11-2022 and 30-11-2022

81 turtles were rescued at different location in Ramanathapuram District

Protection of Endangered Marine Species

Patrolling by Forest department to prevent hunting of endangered species

Mandapam Wildlife Range Officer Mahendran and his Team with wildlife offender

Jagdish Sudhakar Bakan IFS, Wildlife Warden, checking the seized Boats involved in Wildlife Crime

Totally seized 11920 Kgs of wildlife articles and booked 109 wildlife crime cases in last 12 months

Habitual Offenders involved in Wildlife Crime were given Stringent Punishment under Goonda's Act( a Special Act which deals with serious crimes)

Achievements

Last three years ( 2022, 2023, & 2024), 221 endangered species such as Dugongs, Whales, dolphins, Sea turtles are rescued and released back to ocean by community members.
37 Fishermen were given cash rewards and certificates
A workshop on ‘Safe Rescue of Wildlife’ was conducted along with community Radio Station-KadalOsai
In last five years, 84000 Turtle Hatchlings were released safely into the sea.
109 Wildlife Crimes were detected with integrated patrolling.
11920 Kgs of Wildlife articles were seized.
First time, One Habitual offender is booked under Goonda’s Act(an act to deal with grave crime) for wildlife crime in the biosphere
Joint patrolling was organized with six other security agencies operating the region