Karnataka’s 71st Wildlife Week Culminates in Statewide Conservation Drive

Bengaluru, October 8, 2025 – The 71st Wildlife Week, observed annually from October 2 to 8 across India, drew to a close today with a series of impactful awareness programs organized by the Karnataka Forest Department. This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation for Our Future,” underscored the urgent need to protect the state’s rich biodiversity amid growing environmental challenges. From urban seminars to remote forest treks, the week-long initiative engaged thousands of participants, including students, local communities, and wildlife enthusiasts, in promoting sustainable coexistence with nature.

The Karnataka Forest Department, in collaboration with NGOs and educational institutions, rolled out over 50 events statewide, blending education, community outreach, and hands-on activities. Officials highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to combat habitat loss, poaching, and climate change impacts on Karnataka’s diverse ecosystems, home to iconic species like the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and the endangered Great Indian Bustard.

Origins and Significance of Wildlife Week in India

Wildlife Week, formally known as Wildlife Week or Van Mahotsav, was first celebrated in 1951 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. It aligns with the International Animal Day on October 4 and serves as a platform to raise awareness about wildlife protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In Karnataka, the observance has evolved into a major annual event, reflecting the state’s commitment to its 6.7 million hectares of forest cover, which harbors 5% of India’s recorded flora and fauna.

This year’s 71st edition gained added relevance amid recent reports of increasing human-wildlife conflicts, such as elephant crop raids in Kodagu and leopard sightings in urban fringes of Bengaluru. The Forest Department aimed to foster a deeper public understanding of biodiversity’s role in ecological balance and economic sustenance, particularly for forest-dependent communities.

Key Events Across Karnataka: A Week of Engagement

The Karnataka Forest Department orchestrated a vibrant array of programs tailored to different regions, ensuring widespread participation. In Bengaluru, the Bannerghatta Biological Park hosted interactive workshops on “Urban Wildlife: Coexisting with Nature,” featuring live demonstrations with rescued birds and reptiles. Over 2,000 schoolchildren attended sessions on reducing plastic pollution’s impact on wildlife, with pledges collected for zero-waste habitats.

In the Western Ghats, the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary organized guided nature trails and anti-poaching simulations, educating 500 locals on the importance of corridor conservation for migrating species. Coastal areas like Mangaluru saw beach clean-up drives combined with turtle nesting awareness camps, drawing attention to the Olive Ridley sea turtle’s fragile population.

Northern districts, including Belagavi and Dharwad, focused on community-led birdwatching events, celebrating the migratory routes of the Malabar Pied Hornbill. Virtual webinars reached remote villages, covering topics like medicinal plants and sustainable foraging, with live Q&A sessions led by forest officers.

Spotlight on Biodiversity: Karnataka’s Treasures and Threats

Karnataka’s biodiversity hotspots, from the lush rainforests of Agumbe to the arid scrublands of Ranebennur, support over 4,000 plant species and 350 mammals. The week’s programs spotlighted flagship initiatives like Project Tiger in Bandipur and Nagarhole reserves, where tiger populations have rebounded to over 150 individuals, thanks to vigilant anti-poaching measures.

However, challenges persist: habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development, illegal logging, and invasive species threaten endemic flora like the Sandalwood tree. Awareness drives emphasized the economic value of biodiversity—ecotourism alone generates ₹5,000 crore annually for the state—while urging policy support for community reserves and green corridors.

A special exhibition in Mysuru’s Chamundi Hills showcased rare species, including the Slender Loris, with digital AR experiences allowing visitors to “adopt” virtual animals for conservation funding.

Community Involvement: Building Grassroots Guardians

One of the week’s standout features was the empowerment of local communities through “Wildlife Guardians” workshops. In 20 villages across the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, women self-help groups were trained in conflict mitigation, using non-lethal deterrents like solar fencing and chili-based repellents to reduce elephant-human clashes.

Youth engagement was prioritized with essay competitions and poster-making contests, where participants proposed innovative solutions like drone surveillance for poacher detection. The department reported a 30% uptick in volunteer sign-ups for its Forest Guard program, signaling growing youth interest in conservation careers.

Indigenous groups, such as the Soliga tribe in Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, shared traditional knowledge on sustainable harvesting, bridging ancient wisdom with modern science.

Future Commitments: Sustaining the Momentum

As Wildlife Week 2025 concludes, Karnataka Forest Department Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, N. Ravindra Kumar, announced plans to integrate week-long learnings into year-round programs. Key pledges include expanding the “Green Schools” initiative to 1,000 institutions by 2026 and launching a mobile app for real-time wildlife sighting reports.

“We are not just celebrating wildlife; we are committing to its survival,” Kumar stated during the closing ceremony at Cubbon Park. “Karnataka’s forests are our lungs, our heritage—protecting them is a collective duty.”

With climate projections warning of drier monsoons and shifting species ranges, the department called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnerships. Donations poured in for the Karnataka Wildlife Conservation Fund, exceeding ₹2 crore, earmarked for habitat restoration in vulnerable zones.

This Wildlife Week has reignited conversations on biodiversity, reminding citizens that every action—from planting a tree to advocating for green policies—counts toward a thriving natural legacy for generations to come. For more details on ongoing initiatives, visit the Karnataka Forest Department’s official portal at forests.karnataka.gov.in.