Overview
Conservation scientists Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh have been honoured with the prestigious Whitley Award. Their work safeguards two little‑known but ecologically crucial species – the Himalayan salamander and the Indian skimmer. Their community‑driven approaches illustrate how conservation intertwines with rural livelihoods, a theme relevant for UPSC aspirants.
Key Developments
- Subba’s wetland restoration in Darjeeling targets the salamander’s dwindling habitat, now limited to less than 50 hectares.
- Shaikh’s Guardians of the Skimmer has more than doubled the bird’s population on the Chambal, from 400 to over 1,000 individuals.
- The award provides £50,000 (≈₹64.75 lakh) for project expansion, including a new focus on the Ganga‑Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj.
- Both scientists emphasize the role of local communities as active partners rather than passive beneficiaries.
Important Facts
The salamander is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, erratic rainfall, and the threat of chytrid fungus. Its breeding habit of returning to natal wetlands (philopatry) makes it highly sensitive to wetland degradation.
The Indian skimmer, listed as endangered, nests on sandy banks of the Chambal River. Threats include feral dogs, boat traffic, and pollution. Community monitoring has raised nest‑survival rates tw