365telugu.com online news,5th,November,2025:The Telangana Forest Department has invited citizens, students, NGOs, and wildlife enthusiasts to volunteer for the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026, one of the world’s largest wildlife monitoring initiatives conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The upcoming nationwide survey will cover an extensive 8.27 lakh square kilometres across India, encompassing more than 65,000 forest beats to assess tiger populations and ecosystem health.
Volunteer Role and Responsibilities
Participants in Phase I of AITE 2026 will help record both direct wildlife sightings and indirect signs such as pugmarks, droppings, and feeding marks along assigned transects. Volunteers will also assist in habitat assessment, vegetation sampling, and documentation of human and livestock activity in the forests. Data collection will be carried out through the M-STrIPES mobile application, ensuring standardized and scientific reporting.
Commitment and Eligibility
The fieldwork will last seven consecutive days, during which volunteers will be provided basic accommodation and local meals. Participants must be physically fit to trek 10–12 kilometres daily through rough terrain and should fall within the 18–60 years age bracket.
Registration Details
Registrations are open until November 22, through the official link shared by the Forest Department. Those interested can reach out to the department’s helplines or contact the AITE2026-TG coordination team via email for additional details.
The initiative aims to involve the public in conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of preserving India’s wildlife heritage.