Former Poacher Protects Manas National Park

Why this is here: Basumatary’s short documentary, “Chasing Birds,” placed second in the 2025 Yale Environment 360 Film Contest, bringing attention to his conservation work.

Rustom Basumatary, a naturalist from India’s Bodoland Territorial Council, now protects Manas National Park after growing up poaching and deforesting within it. As a Bodo boy, he participated in practices common to his upbringing. He now guides visitors to observe wildlife and champions endangered species.

Basumatary rediscovered the critically endangered white-bellied heron within the park. He also co-founded Manas Ever Welfare Society to teach younger generations about conservation. In 2023, he received the Assam Guarav Award for his work.

Filmmaker Salma Sultana Barbhuiya documented Basumatary’s journey in “Chasing Birds.” Basumatary acknowledges the constant threat to conservation efforts, noting a near 50-50 chance of success for each tree planted. The work of protecting the park remains challenging, but continues.