Sisir Behera, a young deputy range officer stationed at Kabatghai in the core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve, tirelessly works day and night in the remote terrain to protect tigers and other wildlife.
The vast core of Similipal, the world’s only habitat for melanistic tigers, spans 1,194 square kilometers and remains a mystery to the outside world.
“It is a challenge to keep the core protected from all sides. From 0°C in winters to around 40°C in summers, one must acclimate to extreme weather conditions. There can be no excuses, as you may need to venture into the forest at any moment to look for poachers or rescue trapped personnel or vehicles due to animal movements. Our task is to make the core a safe haven for wild animals,” Sisir explained.
