Range Forest Officer (RFO) Bunty Tao of Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district has been honoured by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for his exceptional contribution to wildlife protection and anti-poaching efforts. The prestigious award was presented by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav during the International Tiger Day celebrations in New Delhi. Tao is the first and only recipient of the honour from Arunachal Pradesh and the only Range Forest Officer from the eastern region to receive this national recognition.
Expressing his gratitude, Tao dedicated the award to the Forest Department and acknowledged the support of his senior officers, colleagues and frontline staff. He said the recognition has strengthened his commitment to protecting wildlife and preserving India’s natural heritage. The award recognises his years of dedicated service in conservation and his outstanding efforts to combat wildlife crime and safeguard protected areas.
Bunty Tao has earned national and international recognition for his contributions to conservation. In 2019, he played a key role in documenting the first recorded discovery of the impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa) in India while serving in Lower Subansiri district. He has also contributed to research on indigenous conservation practices, particularly those involving hornbills. Since December 2023, Tao has served as the elected President of the Ranger Federation of Asia, representing 22 countries, further highlighting his leadership and commitment to wildlife conservation across the region.
