ANANT DESHWAL
I am a Community Ecologist and a Conservation Biologist. I have worked for conservation at both taxa and landscape level. I use interdisciplinary approach of combining methods from ecology, social sciences, GIS, and statistical models to establish the suitable method for conservation. I have extensive experience in collection of data using both field and GIS-based techniques, which is complimented by my statistical knowledge.
For my dissertation, I had worked on conservation of drought hit scrubland forests in Southeastern India. The Scrubland forests in India are classified as wastelands and have been under immense anthropogenic pressure despite being classified as Important Bird Areas. To develop effective conservation and wildlife management technique I had used bird community present in the forest as my model species. I assessed the foraging and nesting ecology of these birds. I also studied the anthropogenic dependence on the scrub forests as a factor of drought and current socio-economic conditions. I had also, used GIS to quantify the changes in Land Use and Land Cover patterns due to the decade long drought. By combining the results from all 3 aspects I determined the conservation measures.
Conservation is not a stand-alone concept; it requires a collaborative effort from people in various wakes of life. Thus, I often work with local and indigenous communities in understanding their Traditional Ecological Knowledge, documenting it and using it for understanding conservation of the region. I am often involved in organizing various workshops and other outreach programs for local communities.
I am a passionate teacher and believe in sharing the knowledge that I have gained over a period of time. The courses I teach often are lined along nurturing the passion for biology, ecology, and conservation while developing scientific literacy and bio-skills needed to be efficient and effective leaders.
