India possesses a distinct identity, not only because of its geography, history and culture but also because of the great diversity of its natural ecosystems. The panorama of Indian forests range from evergreen tropical rain forests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Western Ghats and the north-eastern states, to dry alpine scrub forests high in the Himalayas to the north. Between the two extremes, the country has semi-evergreen rain forests, deciduous monsoon forests, thorn forests, subtropical pine forests in the lower montane zone and temperate montane forests.

Programs are varied and could include species count, monitoring the effects of deforestation mainly due to the clearing of trees of commercial significance (e.g. Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), Malabar Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium) and teak (Terminalia crenulata), which have now been cleared from many areas. Conservation activities could also include data gathering, flora and fauna count, identification and classification of insects, reptiles, endangered animals and monitor the effects of deforestation and poaching. You will spend your time divided between various conservation programs, analysing and collecting data and working closely with local experts and conservation teams. The initial couple of weeks will be hard as you adapt to the change in environment and learn the different skills needed to contribute to the program. The work involved could be in an extremely remote locations and so you will receive detailed briefing and first aid instructions. Volunteers will follows instructions of the program leader at all times and follow forest safety guidelines as the environment is dangerous and evacuation is difficult. It must be stressed that volunteers will not have the opportunity to be alone at any time in the forest as it is a harsh environment in which you can get lost very easily. You will be prepared thoroughly for any eventuality and be tested on your skills on a continuous basis.

	Live in a remote and beautiful part of the tropics, surrounded by pristine rainforest which is inhabited by stunning wildlife.
	Live and work in rural communities, learning about the diversity of the forests and the culture of the people who have lived there for hundreds of years.
	Spot rare and threatened species; a unique opportunity
	Take part in various conservation work and contribute to conservation activities
	Experience the jungle and the river under the stars, spotting nocturnal wildlife including wild boars, deer, elephants, bison etc. Living and working in the forest will be an experience you will never forget

Program Schedule 4/8/12+ Week Forest conservation Programs Yearoutindia Forest conservation programs in Kerala are conducted around the Western Ghats mountain ranges and Kerala. You will be working in close association with ground staff and conservation enthusiasts. Projects could vary and will require flexibility and patience. Activities could also include reforestation and green belt activities. These have open program dates as there are many ongoing projects. Program duration & costs: FC-THR401 FC-ERV411 FC-KMM421      More details will be added shortly for newly proposed forest conservation projects Please read our Do It All Program page for opportunities to mix and match various volunteering activities according to availability