Sathyamangalam Conservation Foundation has been established by the Forest Department, about two years after declaration of the over 1,400 km forest expanse as a Tiger Reserve, according to a provision of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The foundation’s mandate is to facilitate and support conservation of tiger and biodiversity through ecological, economic, social and cultural development in the tiger reserve; take initiatives in eco-development by involving tribal communities; and safeguard natural environment in the tiger reserve.
The foundation, Forest officials said, will play a supportive role in conservation of biodiversity, protection, habitat improvement, research and training, environmental education, eco-development and eco-tourism. Wild life enthusiasts in the region can henceforth volunteer to involve themselves actively by involving themselves with the Foundation's activities.
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Such foundations formed in 34 tiger reserves throughout the country, including the three other reserves in Tamil Nadu: Kalakakad Mundanthurai, Mudumalai and Anamalai, have been imparting livelihood improvement and capacity building training to tribal communities, conducting free medical camps, providing educational assistance through scholarships to children of tribal communities, and providing financial assistance to eco-development committees.
Anti-Poaching Watchers are to be provided with free food, uniforms, and provisions during their stay inside camps for anti-poaching surveillances, through the Foundation. There are 25 such camps spread over the STR. Last year, individuals and organisations adopted anti-poaching camps by way of contributing Rs. 25,000 a camp, and the benefits were routed through a welfare society.
Henceforth, the Sathyamangalam Conservation Foundation will look after the welfare of anti-poaching watchers, District Forest Officer of Sathyamangalam and Deputy Director of STR K. Rajkumar said. The Foundation is empowered to receive grants, donation or assistance from individuals and organisations interested in wild life.
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“Money is secondary. It is about active involvement in wildlife conservation,” Mr. Rajkumar said.
Largest among the four tiger reserves in Tamil Nadu, STR is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between the Western Ghats and the rest of the Eastern Ghats, serving as a genetic link to contiguous protected areas.