Among documentaries, those that showcase wildlife, are a hit with many. In fact, wildlife documentaries like the recent Oscar winner by Guneet Monga on elephants or Shaunak Sen’s breathtaking portrait on predator birds make for compelling watches while shedding light on the plight of our wildlife. These narratives tell us about the urgent need to protect our planet’s precious fauna.
Many of these documentaries and conservation stories highlight brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding wildlife. World Wildlife Day, celebrated on March 3rd every year, aims to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect endangered species and their habitats. It also encourages us to promote efforts to curb wildlife crime, such as poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Join us as we explore inspiring conservation stories showcasing the dedication of heroes who have tirelessly worked to preserve wildlife.
Dr Ullas Karanth
Dr Ullas Karanth is a renowned conservation zoologist and tiger expert from Karnataka. He has also worked as a director of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s India Programme and has dedicated his life to protecting tigers. Dr Karanth focusses on understanding tiger behaviour, ecology and habitat use to develop effective conservation strategies. His techniques, such as camera trapping and radio telemetry, have revolutionised tiger monitoring and conservation efforts in India.
His research has helped establish protected areas and wildlife corridors that are extremely important to protect tigers and other biodiversity. Dr Karanth continues to actively engage with policymakers, local communities and conservation organisations to advocate for sustainable conservation practices. His commitment to wildlife conservation has inspired many individuals who have chosen to follow in his footsteps. This has brought hope for the future of India’s wildlife.
Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Earle is an American oceanographer and marine biologist renowned for her work in ocean conservation. She is also the founder of Mission Blue, an organisation dedicated to protecting marine life and raising awareness about the importance of oceans.
She has over six decades of experience in exploring the world’s oceans and studying and protecting marine ecosystems. Sylvia Earle has led several expeditions to explore ocean depths and document their biodiversity.
Her efforts and research have helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine habitats and the need to address threats such as overfishing, pollution and climate change. Earle has also written numerous books and articles on marine science and conservation. Her work has inspired scientists, conservationists and ocean lovers around the world.
Dr Jane Goodall
Dr Jane Goodall is an English primatologist and conservationist who is well-known for her research on chimpanzees. In fact, Jane Goodall was the first researcher to observe chimps in their natural habitat. Her work has helped understand primate behaviour better and has redefined the relationship between humans and animals. Her observations have changed our perception of animals and helped in understanding how remarkably intelligent they are.
Goodall is also an advocate for wildlife conservation and environmental education. She has founded the Jane Goodall Institute which works to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. Goodall’s advocacy extends to environmental issues, such as habitat destruction, climate change and biodiversity loss.
Dr Krithi Karanth
Dr Krithi Karanth is a conservation biologist renowned for her work in wildlife conservation, particularly in the Western Ghats. She has done several research projects that focus on human-wildlife interactions, conservation planning and biodiversity conservation.
Dr Karanth has conducted field studies by employing innovative techniques such as camera trapping and spatial modelling—this has helped gather data on species distribution and behaviour, which has helped advance our understanding of wildlife ecology and conservation in India.
In addition to her research, she is deeply committed to conservation outreach and education. Dr Krithi Karanth is a driving force in the field of conservation who is committed to safeguard India’s biodiversity for future generations.
Valmik Thapar
Valmik Thapar is a well-known wildlife conservationist and author. He has been actively involved in tiger conservation efforts in India for several decades. He is the founder of the Ranthambore Foundation, which works towards the protection and conservation of tigers in Ranthambore National Park.
Thapar has been actively involved in various conservation initiatives, working closely with government agencies, NGOs and local communities to promote wildlife protection and habitat restoration efforts. He has played a key role in establishing protected areas and wildlife reserves and advocates for stronger enforcement of various wildlife protection laws.
He has also authored numerous books and documentaries and loves to share his knowledge and insights on animal behaviour, ecology and conservation challenges.
Vidya Athreya
Vidya Athreya is a prominent Indian wildlife biologist and conservationist. She is known for her work on human-leopard interactions and has dedicated her life to studying and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in the context of leopards in India.
She employs a multidisciplinary approach, field surveys, camera trapping, GPS tracking and socio-economic surveys to gather data and develop strategies to help resolve such conflicts. Her research has helped understand the behaviour of leopards, especially those living in human-dominated landscapes.
She actively engages with local communities and conservation organisations to raise awareness and implement solutions to coexist with leopards.
Dr Anish Andheria
Dr Anish Andheria is a wildlife biologist and conservationist and the President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT). He has been actively involved in research and conservation efforts focussed on endangered species such as tigers, leopards and elephants in India.
His research includes various aspects of wildlife biology, such as habitat use, population dynamics and human-wildlife interactions. Under his leadership, the Wildlife Conservation Trust has implemented numerous projects dedicated to habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
In addition to his conservation work, Dr Andheria is committed to environmental education and through his expertise and passion for wildlife, he aims to inspire conservation action among the youth.
Here we see how World Wildlife Day is not just a day; its a reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet’s precious wildlife. Through the inspiring stories of these conservationists and their efforts, we are reminded of the role each of us plays in safeguarding biodiversity. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a future where wildlife thrives, where both people and planet flourish.
FAQs
What is World Wildlife Day?
World Wildlife Day is an annual global event celebrated on March 3rd to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
How can individuals participate in World Wildlife Day?
Individuals can participate in World Wildlife Day by attending events, organising conservation activities, raising awareness on social media and supporting wildlife organisations.
What are some of the key objectives of World Wildlife Day?
The key objectives of World Wildlife Day include raising awareness about wildlife conservation, promoting efforts to combat wildlife crime and advocating for stronger policies.