PHOTOGRAPHER - TGFDC AMRABAD TIGER RESERVE 2019
Wildlife Waterhole census
TGFDC
The Telangana Forest Department plays a crucial role in preserving the diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife heritage of the state. Through its research initiatives, conservation programs, and wildlife monitoring, it strives to ensure a sustainable balance between nature and human activity. The department also conducts annual field studies, including the Waterhole Census, to assess animal populations and habitat conditions across its protected reserves.
Amrabad Tiger Reserve, one of India’s largest tiger reserves, is a pristine ecosystem that shelters a variety of flora and fauna. The Forest Department’s work here focuses on understanding animal behavior, water resource availability, and ecological patterns that influence wildlife movement and survival. The Waterhole Census serves as a key conservation tool to collect data on wildlife presence and habitat health, guiding long-term forest management strategies.
ABOUT
In May 2019, I was selected as one of the members to assist the Telangana Forest Department during their Waterhole Census at Amrabad Tiger Reserve. My role primarily revolved around documenting the fieldwork through photography — capturing natural habitats, tracking signs of wildlife activity, and visually recording key aspects of the census process. This experience helped me understand the intersection of conservation and visual storytelling, using my lens to highlight the importance of wildlife monitoring.
Alongside forest officials, I participated in field duties such as checking water bodies, identifying animal droppings and paw prints, and collecting field insights from night watch teams. Beyond photography, I learned essential survival techniques and gained firsthand knowledge of how rangers operate in challenging forest terrains. This collaboration offered me an immersive learning experience blending visual documentation with real-world conservation work.
Year
2019
Client
Telangana Forest Department (TGFDC)
Services
Wildlife Photography & Field Documentation
Project
Wildlife Waterhole Census – Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Description
The Waterhole Census 2019 was a large-scale wildlife monitoring initiative conducted by the Telangana Forest Department at Amrabad Tiger Reserve, aimed at understanding animal movement patterns and assessing the availability of natural water resources. As part of the census team, I was responsible for visually capturing field observations, documenting the condition of waterholes, and assisting in identifying indirect evidence of wildlife such as droppings, pugmarks, and movement trails.
My contribution extended beyond photography — I closely interacted with forest officers and trackers to learn survival skills, night observation methods, and terrain-based navigation. The project deepened my appreciation for conservation efforts and taught me the discipline required for long hours in the field under unpredictable conditions. This experience not only strengthened my technical understanding of wildlife documentation but also shaped my perspective toward environmental storytelling and sustainable travel.
