Park rangers are the guardians of our green heritage, defending boundaries, protecting biodiversity and inspiring the imagination of generations. Thriving in extreme environments, what drives these custodians is more than just a regular job, it is their wild, consuming and unexplained connection to mother earth. 

But of course, their work doesn’t come easy. Forest guards are on the frontlines of climate change and extinction, combating illegal poachers, controlling wildfires and preserving endangered species in protected areas. A life full of risks, struggles and challenges, India has the highest ranger mortality rate in the world, according to International Ranger Federation (IRF) in 2014.

Though symbolically titled ‘Ranger Ranger’, the project will comprise of profiles across all different roles and postings, be it a forest guard on the field, a range officer, a village volunteer or a divisional forest officer. However, the idea is to report a complete and truthful picture, hence we will write about the flaws as much as the valor, the corruption as much the accomplishments.

Our mission is to document their lives in different terrains and conditions in India - from the desert to the forest, the mountains and the sea. We will travel with them,  share their lives a little and learn what it takes to keep things wild.