Assessing Employment Generation for Indigenous Communities in a Protected Area Landscape: Evidence from Amrabad Tiger Reserve, India

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to assess employment generation as a direct-use ecosystem service of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India, and to examine its role in supporting local livelihoods and strengthening conservation outcomes across forest divisions. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on records analysis and field verification. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Achampet, Amrabad, and Nagarjuna Sagar forest divisions of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India, during 2023–2025. Methodology: Employment data were obtained through systematic analysis of Forest Department administrative records, supplemented by field-level verification and structured interactions with divisional officials. Employment was classified into functional categories including forest protection and patrolling, fire prevention and control, wildlife rescue and monitoring, administrative support, vehicle operations, and ecotourism services. Division-wise and category-wise employment distribution was analyzed to assess spatial variation and livelihood significance. Results: The Amrabad Tiger Reserve generated direct employment for 381 individuals, with the Amrabad Division contributing the highest share (234 individuals; 61.4%), followed by Achampet (113; 29.7%) and Nagarjuna Sagar (34; 8.9%). Labour-intensive roles dominated the employment structure, notably base camp helpers (140; 36.7%), Tiger Conservation Force personnel (89; 23.4%), fire watchers (50; 13.1%), and drivers (24; 6.3%). Ecotourism-related employment accounted for 24 positions (6.3%), comprising nature guides and ecotourism drivers. The majority of jobs were accessible to local and forest-dependent communities, indicating strong livelihood linkage. Conclusion: Employment generation represents a significant socio-economic benefit of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, contributing to livelihood security, reducing reliance on extractive forest use, and fostering community participation in conservation. A key limitation of the study is its reliance on officially recorded employment data, which may underestimate informal or seasonal livelihood opportunities linked to conservation activities.