Biodiversity
Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Strengthening Biodiversity Conservation in Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Working holistically across ecology, livelihood and wildlife conservation for biodiversity
8
Check Dams5
Percolation Ponds200
Camera Traps3.43 Crore Litres
Additional Water Storage
Introduction
Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Western Ghats, the Anamalai Tiger Reserve is one of India's significant ecological landscapes, known for its rich biodiversity and vital wetland ecosystem. Home to the iconic wildlife such as tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques and the Nilgiri tahr, its forests, grasslands, swamps and river systems together sustain an intricate web of life along with playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance across the region.
Changing climatic conditions and increasing ecological pressures, however, have begun to threaten this fragile landscape. Water scarcity during dry seasons, degradation of wetlands and critical habitats, invasive species and limited conservation infrastructure have affected ecosystem health and wildlife movement. Recognising the need to strengthen the biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems, we partnered with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to undertake an integrated conservation initiative across the reserve.
Our Intervention
Working closely with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, we adopted a multi-dimensional approach that combined habitat restoration, water conservation, renewable energy and security and surveillance. The initiative focused on strengthening the ecology while enhancing the capacity of frontline forest staff to protect its rich biodiversity.
To improve water security, 8 check dams and 5 percolation ponds were created and rejuvenated. Wildlife conservation was strengthened through the installation of 200 camera traps for scientific monitoring, while off-grid solar systems were established across eight anti-poaching camps to enable uninterrupted surveillance in remote forest areas. The initiative also included restoration of 15 hectares of swamp ecosystem, helping improve habitat quality for native flora and fauna.
Impact
The intervention has strengthened the ecological resilience of Anamalai Tiger Reserve by improving water availability, restoring critical habitats and enhancing conservation infrastructure. The watershed structures have generated an additional water storage capacity of 3.43 crore litres, which has improved groundwater recharge and ensured year-round water availability across key wildlife habitats, helping sustain biodiversity while reducing ecological stress during dry seasons.
The restoration of swamp ecosystems has further revived natural habitats. Technology-enabled monitoring and renewable energy solutions have significantly enhanced wildlife protection by strengthening surveillance, improving understanding of wildlife movement and supporting faster response by frontline forest staff. Together, these integrated interventions are strengthening biodiversity conservation and forest ecosystem on the whole.
