wildlife

Once hunters of Mangalajodi’s wetland birds, the villagers of this Odisha community have, since 1998, transformed into dedicated conservationists and guardians of their local habitat.

On the edge of Uttar Pradesh’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, villagers once lived in fear of tigers and leopards. But a predator‑proof house cluster is changing life, offering a hopeful balance between people and the wild around them.

Through land acquisition, habitat restoration, and community-led conservation, the Kannur Kandal Project is safeguarding Kannur’s fragile mangrove ecosystems.

Birds bear the brunt of fractured wings, lacerations, and neck injuries due to the banned manjha that continues to be used in kites. An NGO, PfA Wildlife Hospital in Bengaluru, is helping the birds recover.

Trained to handle snakes, read animal tracks, and manage wildlife emergencies, local residents now lead the response when animals stray into villages. Their work is reducing conflict while keeping both communities and wildlife safe.

In Mathura, India’s first elephant hospital cares for rescued elephants suffering from years of captivity and neglect. From hydrotherapy pools to specialised veterinary treatment, the facility restores health, mobility, and dignity to these gentle giants.

In 2025, stories published by The Better India moved beyond awareness to real-world change. From supporting rescued children and survivors to enabling livelihoods, recognition, and collaboration, these moments showed how impact journalism, when rooted in trust and empathy, can influence decisions, create real solutions, and save lives.

Conservation is not just a cause but a collective responsibility, and through these stories, we celebrate 10 extraordinary individuals whose courage, compassion, and commitment have transformed passion into lasting impact for India’s wildlife and ecosystems.

With his camera as his voice, Mike Pandey’s 'Shores of Silence' stirred a nation’s conscience and secured the whale shark’s future in Indian waters.

Giraffes drift through the night in short bursts of rest, staying alert in landscapes filled with movement and sound. Their unusual sleep rhythm reveals a side of these gentle giants that most of us never notice.