New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) Wildlife SOS has received the Tiger Protection & Anti-Poaching Excellence Award at the fifth Royal Ranthambore International Tiger Week 2026 in recognition of its work in wildlife protection and anti-poaching initiatives, the organisation said on Friday.
The award was presented to Wildlife SOS Co-founder and CEO Kartick Satyanarayan during the event held in Ranthambore, Rajasthan, according to a statement issued by the organisation.
The event brought together conservationists, policymakers, forest officials, researchers, photographers, tourism stakeholders and wildlife enthusiasts to discuss tiger conservation and the challenges facing the species.
The International Tiger Week Conservation Awards 2026 recognised individuals and organisations in categories including wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts, conservation leadership, journalism, photography and lifetime achievement in conservation.
According to Wildlife SOS, its anti-poaching unit, Forest Watch, undertakes intelligence-based interventions, field operations in collaboration with forest departments and law enforcement agencies, and community engagement programmes aimed at reducing poaching in tiger habitats across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Dharmesh Sharma, former judge of the Delhi High Court, said initiatives highlighting wildlife crime and conservation help build public awareness and strengthen efforts to protect wildlife.
“The judiciary can also contribute by supporting stronger legal and prosecution efforts against wildlife crime,” he said.
Accepting the award, Satyanarayan said it recognised the collective efforts of the organisation’s team, forest department personnel and local communities working towards tiger protection.
“Anti-poaching work is often invisible, it happens in the fields, in the dark, in collaboration with people who risk a great deal to protect wildlife. We accept this honour on behalf of all of them,” he said.
Wildlife SOS Co-founder and Secretary Geeta Seshamani said India’s tiger population had recovered significantly but continued to face threats from poaching.
She said protecting the species required sustained vigilance, community participation and institutional support, adding that the organisation remained committed to supporting tiger conservation efforts. PTI SGV SGV MDO MDO
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