Fellowship Bulletin
Priyanka Das and Amir Chhetri
Mediating Human-Elephant Coexistence In Dooars, West Bengal
The team standardised measurements of fuelwood collection as they continued to explore its impact on native vegetation and elephant foraging. They studied Chula alternatives and a potential collaboration with Balipara Foundation for restoration. Saplings for fuelwood plots within tea estates were procured from the West Bengal Forest Department.
Sunil Harsana and Nitesh Kaushik
In The Shadow Of National Capital: How Wildlife Is Thriving In Haryana Aravallis
Through new camera traps in Kherla and Damdama villages, the team captured wildlife and local people using the same paths at different times of the day. They conducted citizen walks to raise awareness about the fragile ecology of the Aravallis.
Sherab Lobzang and Rigzen Dorjay
Facilitating Herder And Wildlife Coexistence By Reviving A Traditional Practice
The team collaborated with ACPGCMS (All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society) and the Animal Husbandry department to assist Changthang herders with winter feed. They also proposed a community fund for compensating predator-induced losses.
Mahesha J & Vinay K Kumar
Role of Soliga Community’s Traditional Fire Knowledge in Ecological Nurturance for Wildlife and Humans,B R Hills, Karnataka
The team started interviewing community members about the traditional fire practice, known as taragu benki. They consulted with community leaders and with fire ecologist and invasive species expert, Dr Ankila Hiremath. They also took part in the controlled burning experiments being carried out under the multi-institutional project, “Invasive plant management in elephant habitats: Lantana removal and native plant regeneration”.
Manikandan R & Devaki B Nair
Echoes of the Ippimala Children- Exploring the Bond between Paniyas and Nature, Gudalur, Tamil Nadu
The team conducted meetings with tribal organisations in Nilambur, Coorg, Wayanad, and Gudalur as part of their project aiming to map the burial grounds and sacred groves in Paniya villages. They hosted a workshop led by a Paniya elder that covered the entire process of basket weaving, from harvesting bamboo to creating traditional baskets and morams (winnowing baskets).
Vishal Mistry & Nidhi Thanki
Harmony in Habitats: Mitigating Human-Crocodile Conflicts and Promoting Wetland Conservation in the Charotar Region, Central Gujarat
The team conducted pilot surveys in Gujarat's Anand district to assess habitat patterns and crocodile presence. Engaging with local stakeholders including forest department officials, they addressed wetland-related issues and offered suggestions for a crocodile park initiative.
Yadukrishna K R & Akhila George
Exploring Traditional Knowledge and Fisherfolk Perspectives on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity In Thrissur and Kollam, Kerala
The team held meetings with fisheries departments, schools, and other community leaders to gather data on traditional fishing practices and to develop a community-led renovation plan for a museum to showcase these at the G.F.H.S.S. Nattika School in Thrissur District.
Taju Pujen & Vivek Kumar Singh
Coexistence Through Cultural Revival and Responsible Tourism, Monigong, Arunachal Pradesh
They engaged with village elders and youth and documented personal stories and perspectives on human-animal relationships. They also assisted in constructing a campsite, as an important step towards building community infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism.
Ramlal Punaji Kale and Vasanta Dhaju Bethekar
Community Forest Rights, Traditional Knowledge, Forest Conservation and Management, Melghat, Maharashtra
The team conducted interviews and focus group discussions to understand community issues and their relationship with wildlife. They engaged with farmers to understand challenges and compensation concerns, while focus groups with women provided insights into forest use and wildlife encounters.
