It was a quiet day in the late 90s. A young man born in a poacher’s family was in the middle of a hunt in the dense forests of the Sundarbans. They had managed to shoot a doe, but it was a bit later that they realised a fawn was hiding behind and was left an orphan because of their action. The man, deeply moved by this scene, was unable to let go of the guilt and decided to turn himself in to the officials. This is the story of Anil Mistry, the poacher turned conservationist of the Sundarbans.
Born on Bali Island on the Indian side of the Sundarbans, Anil Krishna Mistry is now a dedicated advocate for mangrove conservation and wildlife protection. He founded the Bali Nature and Wildlife Conservation Society (BNWCS) and works primarily towards diminishing human-wildlife conflict. As a former poacher and native of the area, he often emphasises how well he and his fellow ex-poachers know the nooks and crannies of the Sundarbans better than anybody. Just as he turned a new leaf, Mistry inspired multiple other poachers to mend their ways and help in conserving the nature around them rather than destroying it.
The Sundarbans, home to the iconic Royal Bengal tiger, have always had issues related to human-wildlife interactions that cause tension. Anil has participated in over 70 tiger capture and release operations, and his organisation has helped ensure several such dangerous scenarios have been handled smoothly.
Mistry also works towards ensuring alternative livelihoods, such as pond farming, poultry, small-scale agriculture, embroidery, and veterinary services, to reduce dependency on forest extractivism. These efforts have enabled his village to achieve financial stability without harming the forest. It was while working with the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), led by founder Belinda Wright, that he picked up the mission of protecting mangroves and wildlife through community-centred initiatives.
From taking lives in the jungle to giving tigers a chance, Anil Krishna Mistry’s journey provides an inspiring tale of ecological resilience and redemption. He has contributed to the preservation of one of India’s most delicate ecosystems by empowering the community and ensuring compassion-driven conservation. His life serves as a timeless reminder that practicing respect for the delicate balance between people and nature are the first steps towards change.
Published – July 28, 2025 05:01 pm IST