S3|E11 - Safeguarding the Biodiversity of Northeast India with Bibhab Kumar Talukdar

In Episode 11, I am joined by Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a renowned rhino conservationist. He is the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of Aaranyak, the leading conservation NGO in Northeast India, and a Senior Advisor at the International Rhino Foundation.We discuss the remarkable recovery of the Greater One-Horned Rhino in Assam. Bibab elaborates on how conservation efforts revived the species from the brink of extinction to a thriving population across the state. He also talks about how to tackle the threat of invasive species in the rhino habitat. We also discuss the state of rhino poaching in the region. Bibhab also shares his PhD research on the Critically Endangered White Winged Duck and the early days of Aaryanak. He also briefly discusses the work Aarayanak is doing across their various divisions, ranging from human-elephant conflict mitigation and alternative livelihood programs to avifauna research and conservation and wildlife genetics. Tune in to one of India’s most decorated wildlife biologists!The Think Wildlife Podcast is also available on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube. Please do consider upgrading to an optional paid subscription on Substack. 30% of the revenue from this episode will be donated to Aaranyak!Meet the HostAnish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlifeThink Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/Meet the GuestsBibab Kumar Talukdar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibhab_Kumar_TalukdarRecommended Wildlife Conservation BooksWildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9ZhIndian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCLAt the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe