2011

I have been a conservation practitioner for over 20 years working primarily in the forests of central Indian Satpuda Landscape. My focus has been on saving Tigers and other umbrella species in the dry-deciduous forests while working with the local communities, academicians, field biologists, media, politicians and administrators.

I am a computer science and engineering graduate, currently undertaking the PG Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice at the University of Oxford. I have also completed trainings in conservation biology and wildlife management, applied environmental education and climate change mitigation. I have designed/implemented important wildlife research, social science and conservation projects such as Satpuda Landscape Tiger Programme, Melghat community Education programme, Employment Cell project and resettlement of Villages programme, helping the local communities as well as Government to resolve the complex issues. In addition to this, I have recorded endangered species such as the Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti). I have attended many national and International conferences on Tiger Conservation, Wildlife Trade, and climate change and has published two books, three scientific papers in journals and around 50 social science articles in various Magazines.

I am currently the executive Director of Nature Conservation Society and head up the leading NGO in India, Satpuda Foundation. I am a life-member of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and have worked as a trustee and chairman on its conservation Sub-Committee.

I have worked with many NGOs and Indian Government committees including the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to assess the impacts of mines/ thermal power projects on tiger reserves. More recently I was appointed to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of India and Standing committee of NBWL under the chairmanship of Environment Minister of India.