About Us
The importance of Rajasthan’s biodiversity simply cannot be overstated. An ecosystem’s biodiversity reflects the health of that particular ecosystem. Each species, no matter how big or small has an extremely important role to play. It is on the services of these very ecosystems on which our existence is dependent. The state’s rich biodiversity is a reflection of the wide variety of ecosystems found in Rajasthan and it provides the perfect impetus for their protection.
Our Mission: Securing the future for Rajasthan’s rich and unique biodiversity.
Our Activities
Conservation:
Consolidating key conservation efforts in the state of Rajasthan is the primary raison d’etre for the Rajasthan Biodiversity Network. There are multiple conservation efforts being led across the state from those focused on the Tiger in Ranthambhore to the perilously close to extinction, Great Indian Bustard in the Desert National Park. All are of equal importance to their ecosystems and all credible efforts to conserve them will be made a part of a broader narrative.
Exploration:
The implication of focusing on umbrella species is that a multitude of ecosystems across fragile landscapes will be protected. This will include pioneering and groundbreaking research expeditions across landscapes in Rajasthan. Any conservation interventions emanating from the network will be the most scientifically informed to date.
Awareness:
Awareness is the 3rd pillar of the network. All of the network’s findings will be available on an online portal. The network will also be accessible to the general public to constructively engage with via the portal. The network will be the MOST credible source of information on all matters relevant to Rajasthan’s biodiversity.
Our Team
Abhimanyu Golcha
Abhimanyu Golcha has been Director of the Golcha Group
since 1994. In this capacity, he leads a group of Industries
which are engaged in Mining, Cosmetics, Cinemas and
Banking. A nature lover with a soft spot for wildlife photography and local indigenous cultures, his love for Ranthambhore and his support for Tiger Watch led initiatives, came about very naturally.
Y. K. Sahu
Y. K. Sahu CCF, RFS ( Retd.) has spent the vast majority of his decorated career in the service of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. India’s premier tiger reserve in South-eastern Rajasthan. His unique foresight and ability to collaborate with
unconventional forces led to the birth of Tiger Watch’s Village Wildlife Volunteer Program in 2014, India’s first successful
community led public private partnership in wildlife conservation.
Dharmendra Khandal, Ph.D.
Dr. Dharmendra Khandal is a conservation biologist who has been with Tiger Watch Ranthambhore since 2003. His work with Tiger Watch has involved proactive anti-poaching, the monitoring of wildlife and ground breaking conservation research in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. He has also forged new frontiers in the world of community based conservation in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Dr. Khandal’s expertise is -not just limited to the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve but also the state of Rajasthan in its entirety.
Satish Kumar Sharma, Ph.D.
Dr. SK Sharma , ACF, RFS (Retd.) is a critical researcher and naturalist who has spent the last 37 years serving the cause of Rajasthan’s biodiversity. A respected figure in the state, many of his research findings have been of great relevance
to the flora of Rajasthan.
Implementing Agency
Tiger Watch, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with the core objective of the protection of wildlife in and around Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) since 1997. Tiger Watch has played a crucial role in the conservation of tigers in Ranthambhore.