Our Programs
Wildlife Conservation in Karnataka
We focus on flagship and lesser-known species of the region:
Indian Sloth Bear, Indian Leopard, Grey Wolf, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Black Buk.
Royal Bengal Tigers in Bandipur and Nagarahole.
Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur, Slender Loris and many more Mammals.
King Cobras in the Western Ghats.
Otters and Crocodiles along the Cauvery and Tungabhadra Rivers.
We collaborate with forest department, local communities, and researchers to create awareness and to implement conservation strategies and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Forest and Ecosystem Protection
From the evergreen forests of Agumbe to the dry deciduous scrub of Ballari-Vijayangara to Grasslands of Kalyana Karnataka region, Karnataka holds diverse ecosystems. Our programs include:
Identifying the potential wildlife habitats and lobbying to form Protected Areas (PA) under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Conducting awareness programs for the students, youth and general public on environment, forest, wildlife and nature.
Conducting nature camps, bird watching camps, nature treks etc.
Community-led forest protection drives
Native tree plantation, Seed dibbling and seed ball propagation.
Wetland and lake rejuvenation in urban and semi-urban areas
Protecting sacred groves (Devarakadu), biodiversity hotspots and cultural landscapes
Conducting research and documentation on wildlife, nature, forests, environments and related topics.
Supporting rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife including small reptiles and mammals.
Conducting eco-tourism and wildlife photography sessions.
Identifying the dedicated and outstanding personalities who serve for the cause of conservation of wildlife and forests and felicitating them with various awards.
Observing the days of ecological importance in schools and colleges.
Formation of Nature Clubs in Schools and colleges.
Bird Watching & Citizen Science
Karnataka has recorded over 530 species of birds. We organize:
Guided birding events in hotspots like Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Backwaters of T.B.Dam, Hampi vicinity, Magadi lake and various lakes and other habitats.
Citizen science participation in Asian Waterbird Census, Great Backyard Bird Count, and eBird documentation
Publication of local bird checklists and species guides
Environmental Education
We create awareness among students, teachers, youth, and the public through:
Formation of ‘Nature Clubs’ in government and private schools.
Collaborating with ‘Eco Clubs’ in Schools and colleges
Teacher training on integrating environmental studies with the Karnataka State Board curriculum.
Nature camps at Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Ankasamudra Birds Conservation Reserve, Gudekote Bear Sanctuary and other areas of Wildlife importance.
Interactive sessions / Awareness programs in Kannada and English for rural and urban schools
Eco-Tourism & Nature Trails
We promote low-impact eco-tourism that benefits both biodiversity and local communities. Our activities include:
Responsible safaris and birdwatching trips
Tribal village visits and storytelling with Tribal communities
Promoting homestays and local guides trained in conservation ethics
Wildlife Photography & Storytelling
Our photography initiatives spotlight Karnataka’s wild beauty:
Nature photography contests and exhibitions
Workshops on ethical wildlife photography
Publishing conservation photo stories from the Western Ghats to the Eastern Dry Zone
Recognition & Awards
We identify and honour grassroots conservationists, forest staff, researchers, and nature educators across Karnataka. Annual awards include:
“Vana Mitra”, “Vana Bandhu”, Vana Premi” Award for lifetime contribution to forest protection.
Young Eco-Leader Award for student initiatives
Community Conservation Hero Award for traditional ecological knowledge keepers
Observing Ecological Days
We mark important days with public engagement:
Wildlife Week (Oct 2–8) – Nature trails and quizzes in schools
Van Mahotsav (July) – Plantation drives and cultural programs
World Wetlands Day (Feb 2) – Birdwatching and lake clean-ups
Earth Day, World Sparrow Day, World Forest Day World Environment Day, Otters Day, Bears Day, Crocodile day and so on with– Seminars, rallies, art contests etc.
Research & Documentation
We document the state’s biodiversity and ecological challenges through:
Field research in collaboration with Forest Department, Universities, Institutions and independent ecologists.
Mapping of various floral and faunal species in various habitats of Karnataka state and elsewhere in India.
Community knowledge documentation of medicinal plants and traditional ecological practices.
Publication of Research papers and policy briefs which are tobe submitted to the Karnataka Forest Department
Nature Conservation
Promoting awareness and protection of birds and rare animals.








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© 2025 Vanamitra Foundation, Karnataka, India | Registered NGO | All Rights Reserved
In Service of Nature, In Harmony with Karnataka.
Contact
Vanamitra Foundation
Vanamitra Farm, HarigoluMoole Road, Hosuru village, Chittawadgi Post, Hospet taluk Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, India – 583 221
📧 Email: info@vanamitrafoundation.org
📞 Phone: +91-63645 99263
🌐 Website: www.vanamitrafoundation.org