SIT DOWN WITH US INTERVIEWING ANISH ANDHERIA

  

A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

Interview by Ishaan Acharya (WEAN Chair) Shreya Sunil (WEAN Project Manager)

Meet Anish Andheri, is one of the leading conservationists in India. Under his leadership, the WCT works with over 160 national parks and sanctuaries across 23 states of India, and is at the forefront of conservation efforts in india. He has been awarded with several awards, notably the Carl Zeiss award in 2008, and sits on the boards of many decision-making bodies relating to wildlife in India. He is also an amazing wildlife photographer and has been part of the jury for the biggest wildlife photography competitions. As a leading biologist, Anish Andheria gives his insight on how the role of veterinarians is developing in the Indian wildlife scenario, and shares some of his experiences working with veterinarians in the WCT. He also shares some interesting thoughts about how we, as students, can positively impact wildlife conservation not only in India, but worldwide. 

Anish Andheria, president of the Wildlife Conservation Trust

Q1. How was your journey into wildlife conservation and the people who inspired you to get into this?

"My journey is deeply rooted—I was born into what I’m doing today. There wasn’t a particular event that led me here; it has always been part of me. Even at the age of five, I was obsessed with wildlife. My family still recalls funny stories of me rolling on the ground in tears, demanding that my parents should take me to a forest. Nobody in my family was into wildlife; back then, without Google, it was difficult for them to figure things out. But they eventually my parents took me to Gir when I was five, and I was fascinated. I still vividly remember playing with a baby monitor lizard in one of the ashrams there. 

As a child, my interest in wildlife only grew stronger. By the time I was in the 8th grade, I had begun rescuing animals. I’ve rescued hundreds of snakes, as well as birds like eagles, owls, and bats—and even leopards. At one point, I reared leopard cubs for a few months. All of this went hand in hand with my studies. After graduation, I pursued my Master’s and PhD in fluid mechanics at the Institute of Chemical Technology. Most people assumed wildlife would remain just a hobby, and that I’d pursue a career in technology. I had a solid background in physics, math, and chemistry and technically I wasn’t even a biology student.

At ICT, I founded a nature club and served as director of BANS during my undergraduate years. That association with nature always stayed with me. By the time I completed my PhD, I was certain I wanted to devote myself fully to conservation rather than keep it on the sidelines. I realized that as a hobby, your contribution can would not reach beyond a particular point, you can’t bring real change. If you feel deeply about something, you need to give it your 100%, so you don’t leave room for excuses. Thanks to my education, I always had a safety net. I felt I had enough degrees to fall back on, or to shift toward environmental governance through another profession if needed—whether as an industrialist or in a multinational.

I started working with Sanctuary Asia even before my PhD viva. My salary was less than my stipend, but that didn’t matter. In 2009, I joined WCT. Though registered in 2002, WCT was essentially a family trust with no office. I built it from the ground up—hired people, set up systems—and today we have a team of 105, along with three conservation dogs, working on several projects.

I strongly believe that youngsters should be encouraged to follow their hearts. Many either don’t know what they truly want, or if they do, their families are too apprehensive to let them pursue it. As a result, countless people end up spending their lives in fields that don’t come naturally to them, never becoming the best version of themselves. In any profession, you have to excel—there’s no room for mediocrity. Even in big companies like Amazon, your job isn’t secure if you’re not good at what you do. That’s why passion-driven careers should be nurtured, and families must play a key role in supporting them. The responsibility lies with families to give youngsters the freedom to follow their dreams."

Q2. As we are veterinarians, what do you think could play a role in wildlife conservation from a non-vet like yourself, what do you think we could do more to enhance this situation?

"Many conservation organizations not just those focused on policy but also those working on field-based projects that influence policy, I feel there is a strong need for skilled veterinarians, or even dedicated veterinary teams. This need is growing because human-wildlife conflict is on the rise. As people degrade habitats and wildlife populations recover, animals are increasingly dispersing into human-dominated landscapes. With more interaction between people and wildlife comes greater tension, and in such situations, a trained veterinarian becomes indispensable, someone who genuinely loves their work and runs toward potential danger while others run away.

People often think of tigers as dangerous, but for veterinarians who work with them, tigers are like magnets. These vets are motivated by the desire to reduce stress, for both the animal and the people involved. And it’s not just about large carnivores. Specialized veterinarians—beyond those trained mainly for farm animals—are urgently needed. While the veterinary education system provides a general foundation, vets should seek internships or volunteer opportunities with organizations that offer hands-on experience with wild species. Not all mammals are the same I mean internally there may be similarities, but behaviourally they differ greatly. Wild animals also face ecological pressures that domestic or farm animals do not. Each species is unique: working with elephants does not automatically prepare you for handling primates. Exposure and species-specific experience matters alot. 

Conservation organizations definitely need passionate vets. If someone loves treating and rescuing animals and cares about ecology, that’s a powerful combination—you’re essentially doing the work of two people. Forest departments also require veterinarians, but apart from states like Madhya Pradesh, most hire them only on short-term contracts with low pay. Many vets are drawn from the animal husbandry department or from pet and cattle practice, and are only called in during emergencies. This reflects the low importance often given to veterinary expertise.

Yet, when someone understands the ecology of a species—whether a tiger or a lizard—and applies scientific thinking beyond just tranquilizing and treatment, they become invaluable. If you love being in the jungle and want to understand why a species behaves the way it does, that mindset is vital. At WCT, we are fortunate to have such veterinarians—professionals who are also conservation biologists. They are trusted by both us and the forest department, especially when working with Schedule I, highly endangered species. Their role goes far beyond restraining or reviving animals: they monitor, rehabilitate, track, and guide teams through the post-release phase. It’s a complete package.

The role of veterinarians in conservation will only become more critical in the future. Limiting them to rescue alone is an underutilization of their skills and time. If vets only come in at the tranquilization stage—handle the medical aspect and leave—they miss the bigger picture. But when they are involved throughout the entire process, they become truly crucial"

Q3. You mentioned about policy making in your previous answer. What's the role of veterinarian in policy making?

"Yes, veterinarians do contribute as policymakers. For instance, I was part of the drafting committees that created 15 and 20 year wildlife management plans for Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, respectively. These plans included several chapters on climate change, inland water systems, and conflict mitigation. In such documents, which are designed to guide management for decades, there are detailed sections on issues like translocation. My veterinarians’ expertise was invaluable, so much so that I involved them as co-authors of chapters. They brought in their direct field experience, translating it into clear guidelines: which departments must be activated during a crisis, who holds responsibility, which officer should lead operations, what drugs and cages are required, what transit facilities are needed, and how different species must be managed.

Policy isn’t something you create in the short term. Once you work with an organization for years and understand how the government functions (its strengths as well as its shortcomings), your suggestions become realistic rather than idealistic. That’s why experienced vets are consulted whenever policy decisions need to be made on conflict management, translocation, captive breeding, or ex situ/in situ conservation.

Currently, for example, we are running a disease surveillance project to understand how vulnerable wild animals are to infectious diseases commonly seen in cattle—such as foot-and-mouth disease, canine distemper (which spreads from carnivore to carnivore), and tuberculosis. The threat goes both ways: cattle can infect wildlife, but wildlife can also pose risks to livestock. The idea is to identify the interfaces where these diseases are transmitted. In India, very few forests are free of human presence. Buffer zones are densely populated, and large numbers of free-grazing livestock interact daily with wild species, particularly near water bodies. That’s where transmission most often occurs.

This project began in 2019, even before COVID, and is still ongoing. We started in Bandhavgarh, then piloted smaller sites like Sanjay Dubri. For the past two years, it has been running across all tiger reserves and corridors of Madhya Pradesh. We conducted two major studies, which are now shaping policy. WCT convened a meeting with the animal husbandry department, IVRI, forensic institutes, testing labs, veterinary colleges, and the forest department. Together, they formed a consortium. Each member organisation has taken responsibility for specific tasks, and all are deeply invested in the work.

The consortium monitors cross-species disease transmission, collecting tissue samples from roadkills, naturally dead animals, and even prey killed by predators. Sometimes what looks like a tiger kill is actually a tiger targeting an already diseased or weakened animal. Because we work closely with the government, all necessary permissions are in place. The forest department collects samples, labs analyse them, and the data stays within the official system. Once the proof of concept is complete in Madhya Pradesh, we plan to take it to the Centre. This is policy in action—driven by vets, the forest department, and the animal husbandry department together.

A lot of people say they have 'studied policy.' I don’t really understand that. It’s like saying, 'I have studied AI.' AI is a tool; policy is similar. What matters is your subject knowledge. If your understanding of a field is deep, the insights and recommendations you produce naturally shape policy. You can’t really 'study policy' in isolation—it’s the expertise and experience behind it that make it meaningful."

Q4. In India’s wildlife conservation space, the most prominent voices are often those of organization heads like WCT or WTI, or even wildlife photographers. Veterinarians, however, are rarely seen in this role. How can we change that and bring vets into the mainstream conversation?

"It’s like this, we work to save lives. Through our work, we’ve achieved a lot, but someone like Virat Kohli is still far more famous than us. Popularity and being a 'voice' is similar to how the tiger is seen as the star of the jungle. Nobody really talks about the wild dog, the spotted deer, or a spider. These are not poster animals. Photography, on the other hand, is a hobby, and for the average person, exposure to wildlife largely comes through pictures. So naturally, the following of photographers will always be greater than that of, say, an open-heart surgeon. Tell me the name of a top-notch surgeon, maybe they get invited on TV debates, but otherwise, very few people know them.

When you’re in a specialized, less glamorous field, one that people can’t easily relate to or experience themselves—it’s hard to become a public voice. That’s why teamwork is essential. If a vet works in isolation, they’ll never become influential. But when they are part of a strong, multi-faceted organization that serves as a mouthpiece, the vet’s expertise automatically becomes part of the larger communication. The voice grows stronger through that platform.

The 'fun' parts of wildlife always get more attention. If I were a wildlife photographer and took ten people with me every time I went into the forest, I’d become popular. It’s stress relief—you enjoy yourself, lose nothing, and come back with fresh air and happiness. Conservationists, on the other hand, talk about complex issues. But in a country as vast as ours, can you even name ten real influencers who consistently speak about conservation, ecology, economics, and policy? Tourists and photographers visit Kanha and Bandhavgarh in large numbers, but are they truly the voice of conservation? No.

I believe we shouldn’t worry too much about optics. It’s like a play: the actors on stage become the stars, but the people behind the scenes—the ones who build the set—are just as important. Vets will often remain in that category. That said, in organizations like ResQ, you do see vets engaging directly with the public, because they’re out rescuing animals, recording videos, posting reels. And in today’s world, reels bring visibility. Over time, such vets may become recognized voices. But that’s more about rescue and conflict mitigation, not conservation.

Conservation itself is a long-term game. There’s no instant gratification, no quick fixes. Becoming a trusted voice in conservation takes time. Some specialists are brilliant conservationists but not great orators—they’d rather talk to wildlife than to people. Their work doesn’t depend on likes or followers, and their temperament is different. In fact, the same qualities that make you a good vet often also make you a quiet person. It’s difficult—but consistency matters. If you stay long enough and build authority in the field, you will eventually influence policymakers and forest departments, even if you don’t connect much with the general public."

Q5. What advice would you like to give to inspiring vet students like us who wants to be a voice for wildlife, who wants to join wildlife conservation and what do you think how much time period would it take and what steps to eventually achieve this goal?

"You have to be consistent, you have to be passionate, and your passion should match the efforts that you have put in to build capacity in yourself. A degree is just the starting point. So, you may have 10 degrees, but I won’t rate it as high as somebody who has 2 degrees with 8 years of experience in the field. That real-life experience, a lot of reading—people think Googling is the only way of learning, but actually, you need to sit in a library, spend lots of time, learn from even methodologies that have become redundant today. To understand where current veterinary science has evolved from has lots of answers, and sometimes technology is not the only answer, there could be some age-old methodologies that are very effective in certain situations. There is no shortcut, and conservation is a field of passionate people. Obviously, a degree helps a lot, but a degree by itself will not get you the kind of job that you want. What will eventually cut it for you is: after, during, or before the degree—what all did you do? Did you just watch birds, did you like some species and start studying them, did you write something, take pictures, intern with a good quality vet—could be even in a zoo or with wild animals anywhere? Especially in birds—there are very few vets who work on birds. Many work on mammals. So have you actually worked with someone or tried to develop that skill on your own? For that, you may have to go abroad for a year or two to a good captive facility on birds, where they can give you exposure to do some surgeries on them or whatever it is. All those small things on your CV will add up. It’s not many degrees—it’s one solid degree followed with many different kinds of exposures, but not just to collect certificates. I get a lot of young people who call me and say, “Can I intern with you?” I ask why, and they don’t know—because they think foreign universities lay emphasis on co-curriculars and passions. They want to do it but don’t know why. But if you’re a vet and doing work on different species, there’s a clear connection. Working with an NGO—even if there’s no vet— helps you understand the field, conservation, and how an organization works toward species or habitat conservation. If I have to hire someone, I’ll hire someone with a specialized degree and a 360-degree understanding of the field. Nobody can just do what they’ve studied. You’re valued more if you go beyond your line of duty, not forcibly, but by default. That shows attitude. If you say, “I only do this,” you’re staying in your comfort zone. You have to care about what happens after the tiger walks away—follow the full circle. Zoo experience is great—money, facilities, controlled environment—but a long stint with a conservation organization helps you understand the peripheral things that are as important as the technical work you do."

Q6. What are some of your favourite species that you like to observe and work with and what are some, you know, some of your best wildlife encounters? 

"When people ask about my favourite species, it’s hard to pick just one. Of course, I’m very fond of large carnivores—tigers, leopards, lions, and even snow leopards. But I’m equally fascinated by species from other habitats. In the oceans, barracudas and sharks captivate me—especially unique ones like the wobbegong. In the mountains, it’s the red panda. Among reptiles, snakes have always been special to me. I remember being in Antamura once, where a black cobra suddenly appeared. People panicked, but it took me just a few seconds to safely bag it. I’ve rescued countless snakes over the years.

I’m also drawn to crocodiles, we’ve worked with gharials—and dolphins, pangolins, and wolves. In the grasslands, I’m always on the lookout for wolves, while in the deserts, I admire the desert fox. These are tenacious animals, able to survive in extreme conditions where humans wouldn’t last even two days. That resilience really impresses me. So, while I don’t have one single favourite, I’d say large mammalian carnivores—especially cats—hold a special place, though many other species fascinate me depending on the habitat.

As for encounters—I don’t really call them that, because I chose to go into their habitats. Whatever happened was because I entered their space. Some of these moments have been unforgettable. Once, during the courtship season, I rescued a python from a five-star hotel in Powai. The staff had tried but failed, and the python’s struggle released pheromones. Within hours, I got three more calls—four males had gathered because the female was in heat. It was fascinating. Eventually, we released them nearby. I don’t advocate translocation, because snakes get stressed when relocated; they know their habitat, their food sources, and moving them disrupts other species.

Another time, I rescued a seven-foot crocodile and carried it in my rucksack on a local train. Crocodiles don’t struggle continuously, but when they jerk suddenly, you have to move with the bag so nobody notices! In Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a mother leopard charged me three times in under two minutes while I was watching a paradise flycatcher. She had cubs and backed off once she realized I wasn’t a threat. During my Master’s, in Nagarhole and Bandipur, interactions with elephants were almost a daily affair. My study animals then were wild dogs, leopards, and tigers at NCBS, but elephants left me with unforgettable memories.

Underwater, I’ve had magical experiences too. I once swam alongside a 100-year-old green turtle moving with such grace that it felt timeless. In Raja Ampat, I found myself surrounded by a school of 70–80 humphead parrotfish—huge creatures with buck teeth, chewing coral. They circled around me, just still, staring, almost as if wondering what species I was. Talking about it even now transports me back there.

These experiences don’t always have to be dangerous—they can be deeply inspiring." 

 Photos by Anish Andheria

 

Q7. What do you think is the key issues that we face in conservation at the moment, in this particular situation and what can we as students do to help? 

"I think the biggest challenge is managing development in a way that doesn’t compromise ecology. As we develop rapidly, most of our models are borrowed from the West—and those models have already failed. They may look prosperous, but they have lost most of their forests. Take Europe, for example: less than 1% of the entire continent is under protected area. Historically, that scarcity of natural resources drove them to colonize and exploit other nations. Even today, while their currency may be stronger than ours, they have to import almost everything—including food and cattle fodder. To sustain beef production, they import soybean and corn from South America, grown at the cost of destroying rainforests.

That is one of the most inefficient uses of a forest. A forest manufactures water, oxygen, and soil; regulates temperature; and provides countless ecosystem services—pollination, seed dispersal, flood control, combating desertification, and maintaining biodiversity. All of this is invaluable. Yet forests are cut down to grow soybeans for cattle feed, simply so people in Europe can eat beef. Since they don’t have the space left—because everything is built up—that imbalance between development and environmental integrity is one of the greatest threats we face today.

The second major challenge is the fallout from this imbalance: rising human-wildlife conflict. As habitats shrink and fragment, animals and people interact more often. Zoonotic diseases spread more easily. Communities grow antagonistic toward the forest department and toward wildlife. Understandably, they don’t want large carnivores attacking their livestock—or worse, their children. Whether it’s elephants, lions, tigers, or jaguars, the fear is real. Habitat fragmentation worsens the problem. Linear infrastructure—roads, railways, canals, power lines—cuts through the last remaining wilderness. You wouldn’t build a road through the middle of someone’s house, yet permissions are easily granted to build them through forests, because no private land needs to be acquired. The result is the breaking up of already small forest patches, destroying biodiversity at alarming rates. Add to that the pressure of forest degradation from poor communities who depend on these ecosystems, and fragmentation becomes an even bigger challenge.

A fourth challenge is the illegal wildlife trade, which is massive. It is the fourth-largest illegal trade in the world, worth billions of dollars—interchangeably ranked with the fifth. The top three are human trafficking, drugs, and arms; then comes wildlife trade, which also fuels terrorism. Wildlife products are often bartered for humans, drugs, or weapons, because money is easier to track. Ivory, horns, tiger skins—these all end up as currency in the black market.

So, the four greatest challenges hampering the future of life on Earth are: unsustainable development, human-wildlife conflict, habitat degradation and fragmentation, and illegal wildlife trade."

Q8. What are some sources and resources that vet students can use to, you know, build their knowledge towards what we were talking about? 

"There are several books I’d recommend. In fact, if you saw my room, you’d notice that two of the walls are almost entirely covered with books—I’m a voracious reader. Personally, I feel people shouldn’t waste too much time on fiction. If you’re truly interested in changing the planet, it’s better to spend time reading experiential accounts, scientific work, case studies, and even well-documented failures, because they teach just as much as success stories. Here are some that stand out

Environmental Issues in India, edited by Mahesh Rangarajan. This is a collection of articles covering topics from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, showing how environmental concerns have evolved over time. Indian Wildlife (two volumes), also edited by Mahesh Rangarajan. These trace the history of conservation in India through a variety of engaging essays. Conservation at the Crossroads, edited by Ghazala Shahabuddin—a thoughtful compilation of conservation-related articles. Conservation Biology: A Primer for South Asia, by Bawa, Primack, and Oommen. It compiles a wealth of research papers and is an excellent introduction to the field. Tiger Tales, by Ullas Karanth. Tigers are charismatic and often serve as a gateway into conservation. Ullas is both a brilliant scientist and a skilled writer, making this book a very engaging read. Ecology, by Chapman and Reiss. A classic textbook that introduces fundamental ecological concepts. Indica, by Pranay Lal. A deep natural history of the Indian subcontinent and a fascinating read. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (with all its latest amendments). It’s essential reading if you want to understand conservation in India at the policy level.

Then, of course, there are field guides, which may not provide extensive detail but are important for identification: Prater’s Mammals of India; The Book of Indian Reptiles, by J.C. Daniel; Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, by Salim Ali

For more in-depth species accounts, I’d highly recommend Mammals of India (two volumes) by A.J.T. Johnsingh, published just a few years ago. These thick volumes provide detailed insights into mammal behaviour and ecology. 

The list can go on and on, but if you read just these, they’ll keep you well-engaged for at least a year."

Photo by Anish Andheria

Q9. Many veterinary students and wildlife photographers often have fascinating encounters with wildlife. Do you think such experiences should be documented more systematically? If yes, what steps can be taken to encourage this? And could you also suggest any beginner-friendly cameras for those interested in starting out?

"So, first of all, let me say this: when you’re in the field as a vet, you don’t want distractions. When I used to do research, I never carried a camera because it could cost me my life. Your focus has to be on collecting data. If you’re carrying a camera and looking through the viewfinder, you might miss a snake under your feet or get too close to an animal just for a picture—which is not your job there. So carrying a camera during fieldwork is not easy. In crisis situations, it’s impossible.

That said, if you want to record your work, I always recommend a GoPro mounted on your head or chest. It’s invaluable because you can learn from your own mistakes. We usually don’t document much, but if a GoPro is running, you can review situations that went wrong and correct them in the future. It’s a very useful tool.

Outside of active fieldwork, photography is a wonderful hobby. It’s relaxing, and you can always enjoy those images later. But not while you’re directly engaged in a project.

As for gear, I’ve always used Nikon. I’ve been shooting since 1993–94, over 30 years now and I’ve never moved away from it. Today, mirrorless cameras are excellent and far more efficient. The camera takes care of many technical details so you can focus on framing and composition, and they perform very well in low light. From Nikon’s Z series: Z6 Mark III, Z6 Mark II, Z7, Z8, Z9 are all great bodies. The Z8 and Z9 are very expensive (₹3.5–5 lakhs), while the Z7 Mark II is around ₹1 lakh or less. The Z6 Mark II is over ₹2 lakhs but very solid.

For lenses, it depends on your interest. I recommend one versatile zoom lens, like a 100–400mm or 80–300mm, so you don’t have to carry too many. It keeps you minimalist in the field.

Besides Nikon, Sony’s Alpha series is excellent, especially for video, and their lenses are light. Canon is another reliable choice. But Nikon, in my opinion, is the hardiest—like an elephant in the field. I’ve used it in monsoons without an umbrella, in dust, in drizzle—it’s weather- and dust-proof and extremely durable.

For vets specifically, a camera with strong video capabilities is best. Sony excels there. And GoPros are practically foolproof—just remember to change batteries every half hour. Ideally, keep a couple: one fixed near the operation site and one on your body. That way, documentation happens without hampering your work or movement."

Q10.Beyond the well-known NGOs, are there any lesser-known organisations, trusts, or projects—like the Grasslands Trust or the Dovil Project—whose work you think deserves more attention and recognition?

"WTI does excellent work on rescues in the Northeast, especially around Kaziranga. Their team there is very strong. Wildlife SOS is another major organisation working with wild animals—particularly rescues—where vets can gain valuable experience. Some suggested organisations where vets can work include: WTI, WCT, Wildlife SOS, Aranyak (in the Northeast), CWS (Centre for Wildlife Studies)

BNHS recently had an opening—possibly filled—for work on dog-related issues. They were running vaccination programmes in Ladakh to control dog populations that harm wild species, linked to an ABC programme. Opportunities like this can serve as a good entry point for vets. Other notable options include NCF and the Grasslands Trust.

Any organisation involved in radio-collaring species or working on conflict mitigation and rescues is valuable for veterinary exposure. RESQ in Pune, for instance, works closely with the Forest Department. Several state forest departments also need skilled vets. These roles often involve tough field conditions, such as responding at night, which younger vets are generally better equipped to handle compared to older clinicians.

Some zoos under forest departments also provide excellent experience. For example, Van Vihar in Bhopal—technically a national park but functioning as a zoo—has successfully bred and released animals into the wild, something very few zoos have achieved. Tiger reserves also regularly need vets, often on a contractual basis, which is ideal for young, motivated professionals. Increasingly, forest departments are becoming significant employers in this space.

We already run an internship programme for IAC with PFA, and we’re in talks with RESQ. I’ve personally worked with both multiple times. In Gujarat, Sasan Gir is building one of the most technologically advanced rescue-cum-breeding centres in India. I visited in February—the DFO showed me around—and it’s about 50% complete. It’s state-of-the-art, with separate sections for herbivores, carnivores, small animals, operations, holding, and quarantine. Once ready, it will be a major employer offering top-class infrastructure and opportunities for vets to gain quality experience.

The Wildlife Institute of India also plays an important role, with vets supporting forest departments in translocations and reintroductions—for example, with the cheetah and wild boar projects.

As for Vantara, it remains controversial. One facility houses elephants, mostly rescued from circuses and tourism, which is commendable. However, another part of the project seems to function more like a zoo, though very little is publicly known. Only VIPs appear to have visited, and the conservation output isn’t yet transparent. While the elephant work is recognized, the zoo side is unclear, so I cannot comment on its conservation roadmap."

Q11. What are your thoughts on the Kuno project? Could you share a brief opinion?

"Kuno was selected as the first site for cheetah reintroduction. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department acted under expert guidance from Namibia and South Africa. Although the habitat was originally being prepared for lions and is more suited for tigers than cheetahs, efforts were made to adapt it. Initially, 20 cheetahs were introduced, and several died. At one point, 11 remained, but now the population is around 27–28. A lot of breeding has occurred—over 20 cubs have been born. Some animals have also been released into the wild. A second holding area in Madhya Pradesh has been created and fenced. My interest in the cheetah project lies in how cheetahs can help set aside and restore grasslands, benefiting other isopredators like hyenas and wolves, as well as species like the great Indian bustard. These are voiceless species declining faster than forest species. Just like the tiger became a flagship for forest conservation, cheetahs could do the same for grasslands—if large areas are allocated. However, large, unoccupied land is difficult to find without displacing people. The key is coexistence, which is possible because cheetahs rarely attack humans. There are videos showing them walking alongside people and attacking only livestock. That’s a positive trait for coexistence. Regarding the roadmap: currently, Kuno is operational, and a second site in Madhya Pradesh is being developed. There are also plans to explore habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat, possibly in the Banni grasslands. But habitats of 100–200 sq. km are not enough unless they are in large, enclosed reserves like in Africa—big fenced areas where animals roam freely but are technically in captivity. These are essentially glorified zoos or private game reserves. If cheetahs are to naturalize here, India needs 3,000–4,000 sq. km of contiguous habitat, which is difficult to secure without community involvement. But I believe India can succeed because many communities remain pro-nature."

Q12. What advice would you give to aspiring wildlife conservationists? 

"Be humble, build a lot of knowledge, and keep learning all your life. There’s nothing like an expert on this planet. Nature can throw many surprises. Only when you spend a decade on a species or in a field do you realize you’ve barely scratched the surface. Initially, in a year or two, you may feel you know everything. But the more you learn, the more you feel like a kid in a candy store. Conservation needs people with patience, perseverance, and the ability to accept losses. Conservation victories are temporary; conservation losses are permanent. You must have a heart of steel, and even if you get emotional, you can’t pass it on to the team. You have to resolve it yourself. You need a 360-degree approach—not just biology, but also psychology, policy, law, and team-building. You can’t say, “I’m a biologist, I’ll only focus on animals.” Individuals can’t achieve much alone; teamwork is essential. You need the heart of steel and the ability to work in a team. Don’t be an “I, I” person. Share your successes and own your defeats. Where should you start? First, read the list of books I mentioned. Then, go spend time in the wild—just observe. Understand the quiet of the jungle and how plants and animals interact. Be it the sea, grasslands, forests, mountains, or mangroves—go wherever you feel most connected. Often, your native habitat is where your body is most attuned. Don’t chase only charismatic species. See what’s around you. Work with others. Listen to interviews like these. I’ve given over 100 talks since COVID. Don’t be a monoculture of ideas—listen to photographers, conservationists, researchers, policymakers, forest staff, and common people. Conservation only works if people are on your side. You can’t sit in a city and say “I want to save tigers” while ignoring that tigers kill livestock or people. Biologically, they were here before us, but the planet is governed by people—at least on paper. Don’t say “I love wildlife, I hate people.” That won’t work. You’re human too. You need compassion for people as well. Psychology is key. So is teamwork. There’s no such thing as a "start"—you’ve already started by conducting interviews like this. You could have chosen to talk about veterinary practice or pet health, but you’re here. That shows interest. Don’t wait for your degrees. Start now—go to forests, take nature walks, join groups like BNHS, attend camps, and read. But nothing beats field knowledge. The books I’ve suggested are experience-driven, not process-driven. Every situation is unique. So, be malleable. Be humble. Spend a lot of time in the field."

 A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

An interview by Ishaan Acharya and Shreya Sunil 

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