Strengthening law enforcement capacity to curb wildlife crime in Madhya Pradesh
Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department (MPFD), in collaboration with WWF-India, organised a workshop on 8-9 September 2025, on ‘Combating Wildlife Crime’ at Madhav Tiger Reserve, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
The workshop was attended by 37 forest officials, including the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF)/Sub Divisional Officers (SDO) and Range Forest Officers (RFOs) from Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, Bhind & Datia Forest Divisions of Gwalior Circle; Shivpuri, Ashoknagar & Guna Forest Division of Shivpuri Circle; Kuno National Park and Madhav Tiger Reserve.
The workshop focused on sharing the insights into illegal wildlife trade and wildlife crime control; effective patrolling for detecting/deterring wildlife crime; crime scene investigation and follow up actions; understanding the laws related to wildlife crime control and their effective implementation and use in obtaining prosecutions for wildlife crime cases. A special session was also organised to strengthen the capacity of the trainees on issues related to human rights, gender equity and local community rights as per the law.
The sessions were conducted by various experts such as Dr K.K. Sarma, Wildlife Inspector, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Central India circle, Bhopal; Dr C.P. Sharma, Principal Technical Officer, Wildlife Institute of India (WII); Shri Manu Sathyan, ACF, Kerala Forest Department; Ms Vishaish Uppal, Director-Governance, Law, and Policy, WWF-India; Dr. Merwyn Fernandes, Associate Director, WWF-India; and Dr R.K. Singh, an expert on legal matters regarding wildlife crime control.
In his inaugural address, Shri Uttam Kumar Sharma, IFS, APCCF-cum-Field Director, Madhav Tiger Reserve, welcomed the participants and outlined the history of protecting ecosystems in India, referring to legal provisions for conserving biodiversity and relevant international conventions. He stressed the importance of safeguarding forests and wildlife and the role of well equipped and trained forest department staff in forest and wildlife conservation.
Dr Kamlesh K. Maurya, Landscape Coordinator, Western India Tiger Landscape, WWF-India said, “Madhya Pradesh is rich in biodiversity and can be vulnerable to wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade if law enforcement initiatives are not strengthened. Therefore, in collaboration with WWF-India, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department organised this specialised training workshop. The training focused on refreshing the existing knowledge and skills of the forest officials”.
Ms Vishaish Uppal, Senior Director, Governance, Law, and Policy, WWF-India, “This workshop was timely as the participants were keen to learn about the recent amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act as well as understand the importance of gender roles and human rights for biodiversity conservation. By understanding the traditional practices, rights and aspirations of tribal and local communities, one can adopt inclusive conservation approaches and work constructively in the field”.
A highlight of the workshop was the field demonstration on investigating and managing crime scenes. Trainers instructed officials on recording evidence, taking witness statements, preparing seizure memos, and ensuring legal admissibility in a clear, transparent, and accountable manner. The programme also emphasised the value of human rights and gender in biodiversity conservation.
Experts highlighted the need to divert attention to the conservation and protection of many lesser known species of flora and fauna. A session also focused on the growing trade in exotic species in India, and how they are becoming invasive in their non native ecosystems.
Incorporating technological knowledge of recent years with experiential demonstrations, the workshop also provided a platform for enforcement officers to exchange experiences, build a network and jointly strengthen their capacity to counter wildlife crime effectively, thereby aiding in the conservation of India's natural heritage.
