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24/7 Protection Network

Anti-Poaching Efforts

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve maintains a strong anti-poaching protection system through 54 strategically located anti-poaching camps. Trained frontline staff conduct regular patrols and surveillance to safeguard wildlife and their habitats.

54
Active Camps
219
Sanctioned APW Personnels
24/7
Vigilance

Camp Gallery

Glimpses of our strategic Anti-Poaching Camps (APC) ensuring safety across ranges.

Gunderipallam APC
APC

Gunderipallam

T.N Palayam Range

Navakinaru APC
APC

Navakinaru

T.N Palayam Range

Malli amman durgam APC
APC

Malli Amman Durgam

T.N. Palayam

Thengumarahada APC
APC

Thengumarahada

Bhavanisagar Range

Mangalapatti APC
APC

Mangalapatti

Bhavanisagar Range

Doddakombai APC
APC

Doddakombai

Bhavanisagar Range

Varakkattukombai APC
APC

Varakkattukombai

Bhavanisagar Range

Background & Critical Need

Understanding the threats and importance of robust protection measures

Significant Wildlife Population

High-value species requiring intensive protection

Bengal Tigers

A stable breeding tiger population requiring apex protection priority.

Leopards & Co-predators

A strong population of leopards and dhole packs thriving in buffer habitats.

Asian Elephants

Significant elephant presence across the landscape throughout the year.

Ungulate Prey Base

High-density prey species supporting the carnivore population.

Historical Threats

Major poaching challenges requiring intervention

Elephant Poaching

Ivory trade was a major threat, especially near interstate boundaries where enforcement was challenging

Bushmeat Hunting

Poaching for meat was prevalent in fringe villages, depleting prey base populations

Vulnerable Zones

Interstate boundaries with Karnataka and remote fringe villages were high-risk areas

Protection as Key Priority

Significant wildlife population and historical poaching threats make robust anti-poaching measures an absolute priority for conservation success. Zero-tolerance approach has been adopted since 2019, achieving unprecedented protection results.

Anti-Poaching Camp Network

Strategic deployment of camps across buffer zone for comprehensive coverage

Current Operations

54 Anti-Poaching Camps

Located across core and buffer zones

Strategic Locations

Positioned at vulnerable points and interstate boundaries

24/7 Operations

Round-the-clock surveillance and protection

Community Integration

Local Youth Employment

Anti-Poaching Watchers recruited from nearby villages

Livelihood Creation

Sustainable income for 60+ families

Community Ownership

Local guardianship creating social fence

Anti-Poaching Camps

Division Camps Total
Sathyamangalam 25
54
Hasanur 29

Anti-Poaching Watchers

Division Sanctioned
Sathyamangalam 120
Hasanur 99

Activities of Anti-Poaching Watchers

APWs act as frontline defenders against poachers. Their local terrain knowledge helps in identifying suspicious activity and supporting covert or overt operations. They are regularly patrol their assigned areas. Their patrol tracks are digitally recorded with M-STrIPES application.

They are part of "smart patrolling" efforts: this includes coordinating with other forest staff and using communication systems. During bi-annual surveys (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon), APWs join teams (with guards and forest watchers) to collect ecological data.

They help record: pug marks, dung, carcasses, bark peelings, vegetation (grass, herbs, tree species), etc.

Regular Patrols

Daily monitoring of assigned territories

Digital Recording

M-STrIPES patrol tracking system

Ecological Data

Bi-annual survey participation

Patrolling Strategy

NTCA guidelines and SMART (M-STrIPES) patrolling model implementation

1

Daily Foot Patrols

Regular foot patrols with systematic beat coverage and continuous surveillance of assigned territories.

  • Assigned beat patrol routes
  • GPS tracking of movements
  • Wildlife sign documentation
2

Joint Patrols

Coordinated operations with police and territorial forest staff for enhanced enforcement capability.

  • Police coordination
  • Territorial staff integration
  • Surprise inspection drives
3

Highway Patrolling

Strategic monitoring of key roads and highways passing through or adjacent to reserve areas.

  • Vehicle checking operations
  • Mobile patrol units
  • Traffic surveillance
4

Check-post Strengthening

Enhanced check-post operations at strategic entry and exit points for comprehensive monitoring.

  • 24/7 manning
  • Vehicle registration
  • CCTV surveillance
5

Digital Communication

Advanced wireless and GPS-based communication systems for real-time coordination and response.

  • Wireless networks
  • GPS tracking systems
  • Mobile data connectivity
6

Interstate Coordination

Collaborative operations with Karnataka Forest Department for seamless border area protection.

  • Joint patrols at boundaries
  • Information sharing
  • Coordinated enforcement
7

Power & Electricity Support

Ensure uninterrupted power for camps and surveillance systems.

  • Solar arrays with battery backup and smart charge management
  • Routine generator servicing and fuel logistics
  • Dedicated power for CCTV, radios, GPS chargers and device charging stations