Facilitating sustainable conservation through community participation, eco-tourism, and wildlife protection at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Constitutional and legal foundation of the Tiger Conservation Foundation
Statutory foundation under Wildlife Protection Act
Section 38-X provisions for Tiger Conservation Foundation
As amended by Act No. 39 of 2006
15th July 2015
For Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Coverage across the entire Tiger Reserve
Complete authority over 1,408.40 sq.km area
Operates under National Tiger Conservation Authority directives
Governed by comprehensive trust deed provisions
Facilitate and support comprehensive conservation efforts for tigers and associated biodiversity across the reserve.
Lead community-based development activities involving local populations in conservation efforts.
Manage all eco-tourism activities as per NTCA guidelines and trust deed provisions.
Market-based conservation approach generating sustainable "green money"
Eco-tourism serves as a sustainable conservation strategy where revenue generated from responsible tourism activities is directly reinvested into conservation efforts, creating a self-sustaining cycle of protection and community benefit.
Safari routes, trekking trails, interpretation centres
Guides, drivers, support staff from local communities
Direct benefits to Eco-Development Committees
"Green money" back into conservation activities
Building a social fence through inclusive stakeholder engagement
Community-based organizations managing local development initiatives
Local bodies for forest management and NTFP collection
Indigenous populations with traditional forest rights and knowledge
Safari and transport service providers from nearby villages
Comprehensive capacity building for local community members:
Employment-linked support for more than 1,000 tribal families and 2,000 non-tribal families
Medical camps and health infrastructure
Scholarships and school support programs
Roads, water, and electricity projects
Based on official Tiger Conservation Plan estimates
As per 2024-25 Camera Trap Exercise
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve currently holds 112 tigers as per the 2024–25 Camera Trap Census.
As per official Elephant Population Estimates in Tiger Conservation Plan
Part of the Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve, as recorded in the 2024–25 Synchronized Elephant Census
Comprehensive camera trap surveys conducted across the reserve to monitor tiger population, behavior patterns, and distribution using advanced photographic identification techniques.
Coordinated elephant census conducted simultaneously across multiple reserves to ensure accurate population counts and understand migration patterns between protected areas.
Collaborative framework with government and partner organizations
Policy guidance and strategic oversight through Tiger Steering Committee
Inter-departmental coordination and implementation monitoring
Community engagement through EDCs and VFCs
Safari bookings, entry fees, interpretation centre charges, and tourism services
Central government grants through National Tiger Conservation Authority
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and NGO partnerships
Local administration funding for community development projects
Infrastructure, equipment, personnel deployment, and surveillance systems
Water source creation, grassland restoration, invasive species removal
Education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood programs
Camera traps, DNA analysis, population studies, and scientific research
All funds are managed with complete transparency through regular audits, public disclosure of accounts, and oversight by the Tiger Steering Committee ensuring responsible utilization for conservation objectives.
Enhancing skills and knowledge for effective conservation management
Camera trap operations, species identification, sign surveys, and data collection protocols
GPS devices, MSTriPes app, patrol route planning, and digital reporting systems
Human-wildlife conflict mitigation, emergency protocols, and community coordination
Study visits to successful tiger reserves for best practice learning and networking
Forest guards, watchers, and community members
Annual capacity building initiatives
Wildlife Institute of India, SACON, WTI
Support conservation initiatives through CSR, donations, or community participation programs