Wildlife Institute of India

30/08/2026

The II Batch of MSc Freshwater Ecology and Conservation students undertook an orientation field tour from 24–28 August 2026 to the Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand, located between Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves.

The field experience offered students valuable hands-on exposure to river geomorphology, river formation, river habitat characteristics, and wildlife associated with the Kohlu riverscape. Guided by Dr. Bivash Pandav, Dr. J. A. Johnson, Dr. Abhijit Das, and Mr. Prasant Mahajan, students explored the natural history of wildlife associated with river ecosystems and strengthened their understanding through field-based learning.

We sincerely thank NMCG, Ministry of Jal Shakti, for providing financial support for the course, and gratefully acknowledge the Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand, for granting field permission and supporting this educational initiative.

Learning beyond the classroom. Connecting science, rivers, and conservation in the field.



Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India SACON Coimbatore Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj

30/08/2026

The II Batch of MSc Freshwater Ecology and Conservation students undertook an orientation field tour from 24–28 August 2026 to the Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand, located between Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserves.
The field experience offered students valuable hands-on exposure to river geomorphology, river formation, river habitat characteristics, and wildlife associated with the Kohlu riverscape. Guided by Dr. Bivash Pandav, Dr. J. A. Johnson, Dr. Abhijit Das, and Mr. Prasant Mahajan, students explored the natural history of wildlife associated with river ecosystems and strengthened their understanding through field-based learning.

We sincerely thank NMCG, Ministry of Jal Shakti, for providing financial support for the course, and gratefully acknowledge the Lansdowne Forest Division, Uttarakhand, for granting field permission and supporting this educational initiative.

Learning beyond the classroom. Connecting science, rivers, and conservation in the field.

NaturalHistory WildlifeConservation Lansdowne Uttarakhand NMCG MinistryOfJalShakti

Wildlife Institute of India
MoEF&CC
Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj
Nehru Prabakaran

Ruchi Badola Bivash Pandav
Nehru Prabakaran
Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR

29/08/2026

Global Connections 🌍 | 20 Participants ! 16 Countries !

The Two Week MEA-ITEC Training Course in Natural Heritage at has successfully concluded! 🌿✨
From expert lectures and dynamic classroom discussions to immersive field tours, the journey has been inspiring and impactful.
During the valedictory session, Mr. Maria Christu Raja, Registrar of WII, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in strengthening natural heritage conservation efforts worldwide.



Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India SACON Coimbatore UNESCO Archaeological Survey of India ICCROM - conserving culture, promoting diversity UNESCO Category 2 Centre: Asia-Pacific at Wildlife Institute of India

28/08/2026

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/madhya-pradeshs-snake-census-50-species-16-bite-hotspots-race-to-map-deadliest-reptiles-11965556

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India

Madhya Pradesh has around 50 recorded snake species Nine of them are venomous, including the medically important "Big Four".

28/08/2026

Under the aegis of the ongoing MP snake project, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted a workshop on snake identification and rescue training on the 25th of August, at Hinouta, Panna Tiger Reserve. The workshop covered basics of snake identification, best practices for snake rescue & release, snakebite symptoms and appropriate first aid measures, and the proper maintenance of snake rescue data. The workshop was attended by 38 people in total, including staff from 12 forest ranges.The workshop was received well by the participants. After the meeting, a WhatsApp group was created with the hope of getting field-based information on snakes of Panna TR.

We are grateful to the MP Forest Department for hosting and welcoming our snake research team.

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India

28/08/2026

Wildlife Conservation History of the Himalayas:

Dr. Lyngdoh took students, faculty, and staff on a deep dive into the unique conservation journeys, ecological triumphs, and ongoing threats facing Himalayan wildlife—from elusive snow leopards to fragile alpine habitats

#​Fulbright Outreach Session: An inspiring interaction with University of Alaska, SE students, faculty and researchers on how international research collaborations and programs like the Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship drive global environmental action.
​Mountain-to-Mountain Connectivity: Exploring shared climate challenges between Himalayan ecosystems and Alaskan wilderness.
​Science knows no borders! 🐾✨

JUNEAU, Alaska
​
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India

27/08/2026

Urban Biodiversity🍃: wilderness midst the concrete jungle

The participants visited the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in New Delhi, an important urban biodiversity initiative. The lecture and trail visit led by Dr Faiyaz Ahmad Khudsar, gave insights on wetland restoration, importance of indegenous species and conservation of biodiversity.

TCNH2026

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India SACON Coimbatore Archaeological Survey of India UNESCO ICCROM - conserving culture, promoting diversity UNESCO Category 2 Centre: Asia-Pacific at Wildlife Institute of India

26/08/2026

Madras High Court halts further works at Periyakulum, Valankulam in Coimbatore as experts report flags wetland bird decline.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/madras-hc-halts-further-works-at-periyakulam-valankulam-in-coimbatore-as-expert-report-flags-wetland-bird-decline/article71388913.ece?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India SACON Coimbatore

Madras HC halts development at Coimbatore's Periyakulam and Valankulam lakes due to declining wetland bird populations.

25/08/2026

Migratory tales🦅

The trainees visited one of India's first Natural World Heritage Site, the 'Keoladeo National Park'. The interaction with the director of the park gave insights on the management aspects of this man-made wetland and how it serves as a key stopover site in the Central Asian Flyway as well as sustaining the resident population.




Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India SACON Coimbatore UNESCO UNESCO Category 2 Centre: Asia-Pacific at Wildlife Institute of India ICCROM - conserving culture, promoting diversity International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

25/08/2026

Day 1 | Post-Inaugural Training Sessions

Following the inaugural programme, the first academic sessions of the GSDP Certificate Course in “Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide” commenced today at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

The pre-lunch session, “Ecotourism: From Conservation Concept to Sustainable Enterprise,” was conducted by Dr. Pankaj Bijalwan, who introduced participants to the relationship between conservation, responsible tourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The post-lunch programme included two sessions:

“Species, Habitats and Ecosystems” by Dr. Amarjeet Kaur
“Deep Dive into Terrestrial and Grassland Ecosystems” by Dr. Anukul Nath

Together, the sessions provided participants with a foundation in ecotourism and the ecological concepts required for understanding and interpreting natural landscapes.

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Wildlife Institute of India SACON Coimbatore