Tamil Nadu Forest Department rolls out state-wide HAWK training to combat wildlife crime

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is taking a significant step to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts with the launch of a state-wide training program for its personnel on the Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) system. This technology-driven initiative aims to enhance wildlife crime prevention and enforcement across the state.

The HAWK system, launched in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and NTT DATA, enables digital tracking of incidents and enforcement actions. It features two modules: SHIKRA for recording wildlife mortality incidents and PEREGRINE for tracking crime-related data.

Through hands-on training sessions, forest personnel and officers are learning to effectively use the system for detection, reporting, and documentation of forest and wildlife offences. This initiative is expected to improve prosecution and court judgments, ultimately contributing to the conservation of Tamil Nadu’s rich biodiversity.