Landscapes we work in

A Rocha India has been working in India since 2003 to conserve species and habitats which are threatened by human activities and to secure the livelihoods of local communities that are affected by living near megafauna.

Our work focuses on the land and seascapes of Southern India. The tropical forests of southern India predominantly consist of the dry deciduous forests and the evergreen forests, each of these biomes playing host to rich biodiversity. The Eastern Ghats landscape which is a mixture of dry deciduous and scrub forests spans across the eastern part of the south Indian peninsular. Rapid human development has caused this once contiguous forest to become highly fragmented, and multiple anthropological pressures have caused severe degradation of the landscape. However, this fractured land still provides a critical habitat for a host of endangered species such as the tiger, elephant, leopard, and numerous vulnerable floras.

The Eastern Ghats

Within the Eastern Ghats, our work has highlighted the Bannerghatta – Hosur Landscape or the BHL for short. Two decades ago, little was known about this unique stretch of habitat from Bannerghatta National Park in South Karnataka to the North Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in North Tamil Nadu and Hosur. This landscape hosts some of India’s last scrub forests, vital habitats for endangered species like the Asian elephant. 

We have also launched a marine conservation program aimed at addressing coastal conservation concerns in Southern India. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. By focusing on marine ecosystems, we aim to protect biodiversity while also enhancing the livelihoods of local communities that depend on these resources.Our marine program includes community outreach and sensitization efforts to raise awareness about the importance of coastal conservation. We engage with local fishermen, schools, and community groups to educate them about sustainable practices and the ecological significance of marine habitats. Through workshops and interactive sessions, we foster a sense of responsibility towards preserving these vital ecosystems.

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