A Success Story

Subharanjan Sen, Additional Principal Conservator of Forests wildlife), Madhya Pradesh has been a passionate wildlife lover and photographer. A man with extensive experience in various wildlife parks in India and a proven track record behind him, Mr. Sen is optimistic about a brighter future for wildlife conservation and balanced wildlife tourism in the country. He speaks with T&E Editor Anirban Dasgupta in an exclusive interview.

It's been quite a long time since Madhya Pradesh tells the story of the success of India's wildlife! The landscape, biodiversity and geology of the land of Mowgli instantly connect with a sense of adventure and wilderness.

If you could tell us a little about your experience working in this beautiful state I consider myself fortunate to work in MP, especially in the forest and the wildlife-rich south-eastern part most of the time. Started off as a probationer in the Seoni district which has the Pench Tiger reserve. After another optional wildlife training at WII, Dehradun I was posted as Director, of Satpura National Park in 1996. This was before it was declared as a Tiger Reserve. The terrain and its forests are breathtaking and it was a great learning experience.

Satpura has the highest elevations and the most diverse ecosystems in Central India. At that time the presence of villages in virtually all the valleys was holding back the area.

The villages now have been relocated with their consent and the area and Satpura Tiger Reserve is now well on the way to becoming one of the richest and most spectacular PAs.