Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)
The Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) has a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) dedicated to patrolling and protecting the wildlife from human encroachments and illegal activities. This force plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the reserve's ecosystem.
Deployment: The STPF at NNTR consists of over 100 guards. All guards are strategically stationed at three ideal points: Nawegaon Bandh, Kosamtondi, and Wadegaon. These points are chosen to ensure effective coverage of the entire NNTR landscape.
Activities and Duties:
Wildlife Protection: The primary goal is to protect and conserve wildlife within the reserve.
Patrolling: STPF guards conduct regular patrols across various regions of the reserve. This includes daily patrols around waterholes and water bodies, which are critical areas for wildlife.
Combing Operations: In the buffer areas of NNTR, guards perform combing operations to control and prevent illegal activities.
Illegal Activities Prevention: The force actively works to stop all forms of illegal activities, such as poaching and unauthorized resource extraction.
Awareness Drives: The STPF also engages in awareness drives in the buffer villages, educating the local communities on human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies and wildlife conservation.
Strategic Importance:
The placement of guards and their activities are crucial in preventing human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the local human populations.
Regular patrols and combing operations help in early detection and swift action against any illegal activities, thereby preserving the ecological balance of the reserve.
By maintaining a robust presence and actively engaging with local communities, the STPF at NNTR plays a vital role in the conservation efforts of the tiger reserve. Their efforts not only safeguard the wildlife but also foster a harmonious relationship between the reserve and the surrounding human settlements.
