India celebrated Wildlife Week 2025 (October 2–8) with the theme "Human-Wildlife Coexistence," marking the 71st edition of the annual event. The central celebration was held at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) and Forest Research Institute (FRI) campus in Dehradun, with the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change presiding over the event.
Five major national species conservation initiatives were launched at the event:
1. Project Dolphin Phase-II: An expansion of the Gangetic River Dolphin conservation programme, extending efforts to key river tributaries and strengthening anti-poaching measures.
2. Sloth Bear Conservation Project: A new dedicated programme for the conservation of the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), which faces threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
3. Gharial Conservation Programme: Renewed efforts for the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered crocodilian species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, focusing on river habitat restoration.
4. Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict (CoE-HWC): A new national centre to develop science-based solutions, training modules, and protocols for managing conflict zones between humans and wildlife.
5. Tigers Outside Reserves: A special initiative addressing tiger populations living outside Protected Areas, focusing on safe corridors and coexistence frameworks in human-dominated landscapes.
Additionally, Tiger Estimation Cycle-6 (the 6th national tiger census) was formally initiated during the event. India also released its updated Snow Leopard Conservation Action Plan, reflecting enhanced survey data and cross-border coordination with Himalayan range countries.
Wildlife Week has been observed annually since 1952 and serves as a platform to raise conservation awareness, honour forest guards, and launch new wildlife protection measures.