In the future, I aim to understand human-wildlife conflict and sustainable conservation practices from an interdisciplinary perspective. I'm eager to explore the diverse paths that studying the natural world will offer! This journey has deepened my appreciation for the natural world, and you can often find me on nature walks and treks, reading, writing prose poems, or taking pictures of bugs under a tree.

I'm from Kurukshetra, a small town in Haryana and my passion for wildlife began early, as I watched documentaries on BBC, Discovery, and Nat Geo growing up. Reading Dr. Raghu Chundawat's"The Rise and Fall of the Emerald Tigers" and learning about Dr. K Ullas Karanth's work in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve further captivated me. During my BSc in Life Sciences at Delhi University, I had the valuable opportunity to work as an undergraduate research assistant with Dr. Nishant Kumar on the Black Kite Project. This allowed me to explore the complexities of studying Black Kite ecology in Delhi's changing urban landscape and learn various wildlife research tools and techniques.

As my academic journey continued, I developed a newfound love for birds and birdwatching. My diverse passions have ignited a desire to explore various aspects of wildlife science, such as carnivore ecology, primate social structures, bird vocalization, herbivore adaptations in human-altered landscapes, human-wildlife conflict, and wildlife corridors. Besides that, I enjoy traveling, trekking, and cultivating native plants.

Abhishek

Hailing from District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. I hold a BSc. (Hons.) degree in Forestry from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan (H.P). Growing up near Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, I developed a deep passion for exploring nature and wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Pursuing my graduation at Dr YSPUHF Nauni further fueled my enthusiasm for wildlife and forestry.

I believe an MSc degree in Wildlife Sciences from the Wildlife Institute of India will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills for wildlife management and conservation, paving the way for a rewarding career in the field of wildlife sciences.

Ananya Singh

At a young age, my mother gifted me Salim Ali and Laeeq Futehally's "About Indian Birds," sparking my interest in birding. Growing up as an army kid, I had the opportunity to explore diverse natural areas and indulge in birdwatching using binoculars. I completed my B.Sc. in Life Science at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi.

My passions lie in conservation genetics and studying the ecological interactions among different species. Additionally, I'm keen on working in animal welfare and science communication. Salim Ali, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall have been my constant inspirations in the fields of wildlife and conservation. In my free time, I enjoy Greek mythology, visiting museums and libraries, and listening to 60s music

Betwonsaoo Passah

I hail from the Meghalayan town of Jowai, nestled amidst a river, paddy fields, and sacred groves. My fascination with Mother Nature and passion for trekking started from a young age. I completed my B.Sc. in Botany from St. Edmund’s college, Shillong. The institute was surrounded by lush vegetation, which was a delight. Through the Great Backyard Bird Count, introduced by my teacher during my BSc course, I honed my bird identification skills. Birdwatching has become a daily routine, and I spend hours observing the beautiful and colorful avian species in dense forests.

Coming from Meghalaya, a tribal state where people coexist harmoniously with nature, and being a botany student, I am intrigued by how rural communities use wild plants as medicine.My connection to the tribal religion and sacred groves has nurtured my love and care for nature and wildlife.

Chinmay Prakash Sawant

Since my childhood in Satara District, Maharashtra, I have been fascinated by nature parks and forests, where I observe birds and animals. Pursuing my Bachelors in Fisheries Science at the College of Fisheries, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri, under Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, further fueled my interest in ocean and marine life. During the pandemic, I actively worked on the People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) in my village, Kiraksal, Satara district. I collaborated with local communities on Grasslands and Indian Wolf Conservation. Additionally, I volunteered for bird surveys in Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

My main interests lie in exploring marine and grassland species. Besides observing wildlife, particularly birdwatching, I enjoy wildlife photography, writing, reading, and listening to songs.

Chirag Nimish Vassa

I grew up in the outskirts of Mumbai, where my fascination for animals and nature began, inspired by the creatures around me and wildlife documentaries. Pursuing my passion, I studied Zoology at Mumbai's Mithibai College and interned with the Wildlife Conservation Society-India for the Mumbai Leopard Project in 2022. This experience deepened my understanding of leopards in a human-dominated landscape. Additionally, I interned with the Wildlife Institute of India for an EIA study in Jharkhand's chota nagpur plateaus.

My research interests include Mammalian ecology, Human-wildlife interactions, and Movement ecology. I'm particularly curious about the impact of climate change and increased human activity on animal behavior. Beyond academics, I enjoy music, traveling, hiking, and watching movies.

Keerthi V

Hailing from Chennai, I began my journey into nature's wonders during my zoology studies at Stella Maris College. As an Urban Wilderness Walk Intern at the Madras Naturalist Society, curiosity drove me to explore further. This led me to document the diversity of butterflies on our college campus, aiming to integrate conservation efforts into the college's development. Additionally, I interned at Care Earth Trust, contributing to lake restoration projects in Sembakkam and Nedungundram. Simultaneously, I worked on synthesizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa immobilized iron nanoparticles to combat lead pollution in Ennore. This project became the centerpiece of my published undergraduate dissertation.

My interests lie in wildlife management, conservation, urban biodiversity, landscape planning, and taxonomy. Beyond academics, I find joy in reading, excel in chess strategies, and discover tranquility through swimming laps.

Khushi Soni

Originally from the pink city Jaipur, wildlife and natural history have been integral to my values from an early age. The work of Leakey's Angels in primate conservation, along with figures like Dean Schneider, Wild Frank, and Malaika Vaz, have always inspired me to pursue a career as a wildlife researcher. I completed my B.Sc. (Hons.) in Zoology from Miranda House (University of Delhi). However, it was a field visit and research project on the Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) in the Himalayas under Dr. R Suresh Kumar at the Wildlife Institute of India that brought about a radical change. Analyzing data on breeding behavior, nesting success, and habitat preferences deepened my passion for the field. During my winter internship, I joined Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in New Delhi to study the 'Impact of YouTube in promoting wildlife trade and trafficking of freshwater turtles and tortoises in India' under Dr. A. Pragatheesh (Wildlife Inspector).

During my master's, I aim to focus on human-wildlife coexistence, mathematical ecology, and developing conservation strategies and policies. Apart from my academic pursuits, I enjoy writing popular articles, learning new languages, exploring uncharted paths, and indulging in my passion for movies.

KP Akilan

I come from Kunnathur, Tamil Nadu, and my interest in Biology started during my schooling in the Nilgiris and Kancheepuram. I pursued BSc. (Hons.) in Biology at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, where I researched microscopic nematodes and their bacteria-dispersing behavior, guided by Dr. Sravanti Uppaluri. This experience sparked my curiosity about dispersal phenomena in nature across different scales. Later, I worked as a Research Assistant with Dr. Alok Bang, exploring the global economic impacts of invasive social insects. This exposed me to the ecological and socioeconomic consequences of invasive species.

These experiences deepened my fascination with creatures and biological phenomena, driving me to pursue an interdisciplinary approach to study them. I realized the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need for wildlife conservation. Besides my wildlife interest, I enjoy playing sports, watching movies, reading books, and learning about gadget functionality.

Manas Shukla

Growing up in Lucknow, a concrete jungle, I was initially unaware of the range of diversity life has to offer. My passion for wildlife didn't come to me in a childhood epiphany; it developed gradually as I explored the mysteries of life and the cosmos. I chose to study forestry at Doon Business School in Dehradun, and I felt an instant sense of belonging in this field. After graduating, I joined the Tiger Cell at the Wildlife Institute of India, where I participated in the All India Elephant Estimation Project as a field researcher.

Months of fieldwork in the biodiverse Western Ghats strengthened my bond with wildlife, and now I can't imagine my future without it. When I'm not out taking long walks with my camera, you'll likely find me engaged in incoherent scribbling, discussing music, films, art, or tinkering with custom ROMs on my phone.

Manav S

Growing up in Attappadi, a rural region near Silent Valley National Park in the Western Ghats, I developed a strong passion for nature and wildlife. I pursued a bachelor's degree in zoology from Calicut University and had the opportunity to attend a Certificate Course in Basic Ornithology at IISER, Tirupati. This experience, along with an internship at the 'Shola Sky Islands' lab in IISER Tirupati, opened the door to wildlife research for me. Since then, I have actively participated in numerous wildlife surveys across Kerala.

Forest raptors have always been my favorite subject of interest. My research interests are biogeography, evolutionary biology, and animal behavior. Besides my academic pursuits, I have a deep love for animated films, occasional artistry, and hobbies like trekking, cycling, and tree climbing.

Michael Isaac Rayen

Born in a coastal village in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, my fascination with wildlife began through my mother's introduction to wildlife documentaries on Animal Planet and Nat Geo during my childhood. I earned my Bachelor's in Zoology from St. Xavier's College, Tirunelveli. During the pandemic, I trained myself in handling snakes and reptiles, which further fueled my passion for wildlife. In my community, I actively work to resolve human- wildlife conflicts by rescuing and relocating urban wildlife, primarily snakes. Additionally, I volunteered in elephant surveys and wetland bird surveys with the forest department.

Apart from my wildlife interests, I am enthusiastic about photography, hiking, traveling, educating people about wildlife, and stargazing for hours. Nature never fails to amaze me.

Perarivalan Sengannan

Originally from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, my fascination for solving problems through innovative scientific ideas has been with me since childhood. My wildlife journey began with birding experiences across diverse habitats in Tamil Nadu, including Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Mannar Marine National Park. I completed my B.Sc. Zoology (Wildlife Biology) from Government Arts College - Udhagamandalam, Bharathiar University. I am also captivated by insects and herpetofauna. My main focus lies in studying the Grey Slender Loris, and I have actively contributed to population estimation of this species in the Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary. I have also initiated several assessments related to the behavioral and ecological study of the Grey Slender Loris.

Outside of academics, I am a skilled divisional level football player and have dedicated nearly a decade to practicing Silambam, a traditional form of martial arts. I am passionate about wildlife photography and find great joy in enriching my knowledge through avid reading.

Sakshi

I hail from Patliputra (Patna, Bihar), a humble land by the southern bank of the Ganges. Inspired by the autobiographies of Sálim Ali, documentaries of Jane Goodall, and narrations by David Attenborough, I pursued a BSc (Hons. in Zoology) from Patna University. In 2019, I joined the River Life Management System course at the Asian Development Research Institute, Patna, through the Green Skill Development Programme of the Government of India. The course deepened my knowledge of biodiversity, ecology, and conservation in the riverine ecosystem, aquaculture, and waste management. I began my leadership journey as a volunteer leader at Bhumi NGO, working on the Think Green Project—an initiative promoting environment sustainability under the catalyse programme. Our team conducted various cleanup drives, upcycling workshops, tree plantations, seedball making, kitchen gardening, and environmental awareness sessions in the city.

My goal is to contribute to the protection of natural ecosystems and wildlife. I wish to inspire more young people to engage in conservation and sustainability efforts. Besides, I have a passion for gardening, photography, and skating. My dream is to translate my ideas into action and make a positive impact.

Shikhar Kaushik

I grew up in Mussoorie and Dehradun, captivated by nature and wildlife since my childhood. My bachelor's degree in Forestry (Hons.) was completed at the College of Forestry, Ranichauri. My dissertation focused on "Assessment of bird diversity in different forest types of Ranichauri campus" . During my studies, I actively raised awareness about nature and wildlife conservation among students. Recently, I published my first work in Insect Environment, evaluating butterfly diversity in Ranichauri campus. I also gained valuable experience through internships at CEDAR, working on the "Assessment of ecosystem services of Renukaji wetland," and at EIA-Cell WII, Dehradun, where I contributed to a forestland diversion proposal database for Jharkhand. I also participated in Bird Count-2021 at Corbett Tiger Reserve.

At the Wildlife Institute of India, I aim to delve into the realm of reptiles and mammals, focusing on habitat ecology, human-wildlife conflict, and wildlife forensics. In my leisure time, I indulge in trekking, wildlife photography, writing blogs, and sketching. Lately, I've taken up a new interest in terrariums and home gardening.

Sneha Rethinam Sakthivel

I hail from Coimbatore, and I adore life in all its forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms – plankton to belugas. My life took a significant turn after taking an online course on ecology, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation offered by the American Museum of Natural History. It revealed the intricate connections within ecosystems, where even small changes can trigger chaotic reactions. This concept fascinated me, akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle, which I absolutely love. This newfound perspective inspired my passion for conservation and wildlife management. I hold a B.Sc. in Zoology from Madras Christian College, University of Madras.

I aspire to become a conservation biologist. Evolution and spirituality intrigue me, and I believe my purpose is to develop strategies that protect the planet's rich biodiversity, carefully evolved over millions of years.

Sujay G

I hold a B.Sc in Biology from Azim Premji University. It was during my time in Agumbe, while working on the Malabar pit viper radio telemetry project, that I discovered my true passion for the natural world. Now, I frequently go herping around Bangalore, surveying different areas and enjoying the thrill of discovering elusive species. Additionally, I am actively involved in rescuing and relocating distressed snakes while promoting awareness about these misunderstood animals.

My research interests primarily focus on understanding the natural history and ecology of herpetofauna, though I'm looking forward to exploring other underappreciated taxa. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy gaming, football, playing, and cooking.

Surya Pratap Singh

I grew up in a village near Orai, Uttar Pradesh, fostering a strong bond with nature. Observing wildlife fascinated me, even at home. I pursued a B.Sc (Hons.) in forestry at Banda University of Agriculture and Technology. During my third year, I worked with the forest department of Banda, focusing on man-animal conflict in forest areas. I actively volunteered at the Mahoba Bird Festival and participated in the National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People's Biodiversity Register (PBR). I contributed to the Sarus Crane Census and documented avian species in the Banda region for the "Birding in Bundelkhand" brochure.

My objective is to enhance my knowledge and skills in wildlife monitoring, animal ecology, conservation education, and habitat ecology. Besides, I have a creative side and enjoy sketching and photography. Birdwatching and volunteering at an animal shelter, especially for cows, bring me immense fulfillment. Additionally, I love traveling to broaden my understanding of the natural world.

Vishvavikash Ik

I'm from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, a place known for its rich history and architecture. My interest in wildlife began when I discovered how ancient civilizations revered nature and its wild animals. I completed my bachelor's degree at Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, where I delved into wildlife-related issues, like human-animal conflicts in nearby forest areas. During holidays, I explore the areas surrounding my home and visit nearby villages, where I enjoy identifying different bird species. These creatures have fascinated me since they've coexisted with humans since the beginning, especially primates, from which we evolved. Besides wildlife, I also love long-distance cycling, participating in marathons, and playing badminton.