Ecological researcher documenting traditional knowledge, pastoral ecology & habitat restoration.
I work with pastoral and forest communities — including the Van Gujjars of the Rajaji Biosphere and the Gawli Dhangars of Goa — to record the ecological knowledge that has sustained landscapes for generations, and to build restoration practice on that foundation.
My work in conservation and restoration is built on that belief. Their knowledge should be built upon, not replaced — incorporating relevant modern science on a strong foundation of applicable traditional systems, to conserve and restore degraded habitats.
In practice, this means ecological restoration and TEK documentation — working with pastoral communities like the Van Gujjars of the Rajaji Biosphere, conducting biodiversity assessment and socio-ecological analysis of landscapes intertwined with the people who live within them, and currently, applying restoration principles to a degraded urban private landscape.
Recording the generational ecological knowledge held by pastoral and forest communities before it's lost to memory.
Studying nomadic and semi-nomadic grazing systems, and their measurable role in grassland and rangeland health.
Field surveys of flora and fauna across ecosystems — from Sahyadri forest campsites to Western Ghats grazing corridors.
Applying ecological restoration principles to degraded landscapes, at scales ranging from wild habitat to a private urban plot.
Examining the role livestock plays within regenerative, community-run agricultural systems.
Bridging science, community and media — translating field research for the people who need to act on it.
I'm always glad to connect with community organisations, researchers and landscape stewards working on related ground. The full site is on its way — for now, this is the best way to reach me.