In a remarkable conservation turnaround, Panna Tiger Reserve in central India has transformed from a tiger-less landscape into a thriving ecosystem, and the Pardhi community are central to that story. By 2009 the reserve had lost all its tigers due to rampant poaching and habitat issues. The state forest department, in partnership with non-profits, launched a ambitious reintroduction programme that included relocating tigers from other reserves and restoring prey and habitat.

Simultaneously, the Pardhi community—historically acknowledged as expert trackers but also associated with hunting—were engaged in a unique way. They were offered alternative livelihoods, relocated to villages outside the core reserve, and trained to become nature guides, wildlife monitors and cultural-tourism partners under initiatives like ‘Walk with the Pardhis’.

Their traditional forest knowledge became an asset: they can mimic wildlife calls, read animal signs and guide forest trails. Now they apply these skills for conservation rather than hunting. The result is one of India’s most inspiring success stories of human-wildlife reconciliation: tigers have returned, the community has regained dignity and income, and the forest is safer.

The result is one of India’s most inspiring success stories of human-wildlife reconciliation: tigers have returned, the community has regained dignity and income, and the forest is safer