GENCF Wildlife Team
Dyuti Karmakar
With a blend of art, research and communication, Dyuti aims to educate the common masses about the environment. She believes, research should travel beyond peer-reviewed journals or elite magazines to the medias that are accessible to everyone. She has started a series named Dyuti’s Nature Comics, a comics journalism initiative, where her art simplifies the complex world of conservation for a diverse audience. She has won various poster making competitions and bagged prizes for creative writing while solidifying her foundation in Zoology. Her interest to know and deal with real world problems related to wildlife conservation, shapes her dreams, whereas creativity and knowledge pushes her forward. So far, her achievements are few, but her passion remains intact.
In her own words:
I want to acquire knowledge about wildlife conservation and spread awareness. Only a few percentage of people are privileged enough to learn about wildlife conservation. Once we educate more people about Mother Nature, the feeling of gratefulness for her resources shall be instilled in the minds of many.
SHAHZADA IQBAL
Shahzada Iqbal holds the position of Research Biologist at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, where he is also currently working on his Ph.D. with a focus on Human-Wolf Coexistence. He serves as a member of the Jharkhand State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), where he contributes to policy discussions and strategic decisions related to wildlife conservation and habitat management at the state level.
He earned his master's degree in Wildlife Sciences from Aligarh Muslim University. His research methodology adopts an interdisciplinary approach that combines field-based studies, quantitative analysis, and conceptual frameworks to delve into the intricate interactions between human populations, wildlife, and ecosystems.
His primary academic interests revolve around the ecology of wolves and the coexistence of humans with carnivorous species. Within this framework, he formulates research inquiries concerning human-wildlife conflicts and the behavioural responses of large carnivores to human-induced disturbances.
DR. SWETASHREE PUROHIT
She is a Zoologist by training and teaching Post-graduate students. In her growing up years she developed a keen interest in animals and pursued wildlife observation and study. Working on different taxa of animals from Elephants to reptiles to birds she has explored the forests of Odisha.
Pursuing her doctoral work on Birds of Koraput in Odisha she was drawn into ornithology and has been documenting and studying birds since then.
She has been involved in conducting nature awareness walks and workshops for citizens of Bhubaneswar.
She would like to explore more about the wildlife of lesser explored areas of Odisha and also study Urban Wildlife. Her core interest lies in eduating and awaring the posterity on nature and conservation.
She has been a reviewer and editor for eBird, a citizen science initiative by Cornell Lab of Ornithology for the state of Odisha.
Salorita Mohanty
With a knack for diving into data backed researches and learning the outdoors, Salorita is a MBA grad and marketing professional, who has 9+ years of experience in developing strategic campaigns to enhance brand visibility and brainstorming content ideas suiting the target audience.
Beyond the boardroom, she is a zoologist who is passionate about the Wildlife and its conservation. Apart from actively participating in nature walks, bird surveys, wildlife community events she is also involved with animal rescue and rehabilitation programs.
Her abilities to decipher difficult data insights and transcribe the outcome in simpler notes can bridge the gap between effective communication and conservation efforts. With required knowledge of the IoT and social media fads, reaching out to the mass easily motivates her further towards her goals.
Her background in crafting impactful brand campaigns across multiple genres and industries intersect well with her experiences involving challenges faced by the planet's biodiversity. This has highlighted the important environmental aspects that are under constant threat.
Thereby determined to leverage her marketing acumen to understand the wildlife, Salorita looks towards assisting in improvisation and implementation of strong action backed ideas with an intent for the awareness and conservation prospects.
Vidula kulkarni
Vidula Kulkarni is an educationist with Symbiosis Pune and a passionate birder deeply engaged in avian conservation and photography. Her journey into ornithology began with formal coursework, building a solid foundation in bird behavior and ecology. She is now a dedicated member of the Pune Bird Atlas and Maharashtra Pakshimitra, two prominent birding groups in Maharashtra. Vidula actively participates in bird count surveys and conservation projects, making her a well-respected figure within Pune’s birding community.
Vidula’s commitment extends to attending conferences, webinars, and national workshops on conservation and biodiversity. Her participation in these events keeps her connected to the latest developments in environmental science, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to the birding and educational communities. Through her work, Vidula continues to foster awareness, sharing her expertise and passion with budding conservationists and bird enthusiasts alike.
In her own words:
"As an advocate for environmental preservation, I am part of the ARAI Tekdi Trail group, where I work to protect the region’s hills and their habitats. My in-depth knowledge of Pune’s birding hotspots has enabled me to deliver engaging presentations on topics related to bird identification, conservation strategies, and the importance of biodiversity, helping to inspire others within and beyond the classroom."