WII’s research projects are multidisciplinary in nature and span across diverse biogeographic zones of India, including the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Terai, Deccan Plateau, Northeast, and coastal ecosystems. These projects are categorized broadly under themes such as species ecology and recovery, landscape and habitat conservation, human-wildlife interactions, ecosystem services, climate change, and conservation genetics.

Some of the flagship and long-term research projects of WII include:

Species Recovery and Ecology

WII has conducted extensive research on endangered and keystone species such as tigers, elephants, snow leopards, Asiatic lions, rhinos, hangul, dholes, red pandas, and vultures. Projects like the All India Tiger Estimation, Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), and Monitoring of Reintroduced Tigers in Panna and Sariska are notable for their impact on policy and conservation planning.

Landscape and Habitat Conservation

Projects under this theme focus on landscape-scale conservation approaches, connectivity between protected areas, habitat fragmentation, and restoration. Examples include the Terai Arc Landscape Project, Western Ghats Biodiversity Assessment, Wildlife Corridors in Central India, and Upper Brahmaputra Valley Wetland Conservation. These projects often involve geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and participatory planning.

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence

WII has actively worked on documenting and mitigating human-wildlife conflict through projects that assess patterns of conflict with large carnivores (tigers, leopards, elephants), herbivores (nilgai, wild boars), and other species. It has developed protocols for conflict mapping, early warning systems, and community-based conflict resolution strategies.

Climate Change and Adaptation

WII engages in projects that assess the impacts of climate change on species distribution, phenology, and ecosystem resilience. Research includes modeling of species’ range shifts under future climate scenarios and identifying climate refugia. Studies have been conducted in sensitive areas like the Trans-Himalayas, high-altitude wetlands, and coastal ecosystems to understand vulnerability and develop adaptation frameworks.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Several projects are aimed at assessing biodiversity in different ecosystems, quantifying ecosystem services, and integrating conservation with livelihoods. Examples include biodiversity assessments of sacred groves, community reserves, and agroforestry systems. WII also undertakes natural capital accounting and ecological valuation studies.

Wildlife Forensics and Genetics

WII houses a state-of-the-art Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics facility. Research includes DNA-based species identification, population genetics, wildlife crime investigation, and genetic monitoring of reintroduced populations. This lab supports enforcement agencies and contributes to legal proceedings in wildlife crime cases.

Ecological Monitoring and Technology Integration

WII projects increasingly incorporate modern tools such as camera traps, radio telemetry, drone-based surveys, GIS and remote sensing, and artificial intelligence for monitoring wildlife populations, habitat changes, and ecological processes. Projects like Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme and Smart Patrol Protocols exemplify this integrated approach.

Conservation Education and Community Engagement

Many research projects include components of environmental education, stakeholder training, and participatory conservation. Community-based conservation models have been piloted in various parts of India, including Ladakh, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Sundarbans, involving local governance, eco-development, and traditional knowledge systems.

Policy Support and National Action Plans

WII has provided research input for the formulation of several national strategies such as the National Wildlife Action Plan, National Biodiversity Targets, Action Plans for the Conservation of Vultures and other Species, and Mitigation Guidelines for Linear Infrastructure.

In summary, the Wildlife Institute of India’s research portfolio is vast, dynamic, and aligned with both national conservation priorities and global biodiversity goals. Its projects serve as a foundation for informed conservation action, fostering collaboration across scientific, governmental, and civil society domains