The Think Wildlife Podcast

India’s growing population of free-ranging dogs has become one of the most complex and divisive conservation challenges of our time. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of animal welfare, public health, and biodiversity conservation with ecologist Arshyaan Shahid, who unpacks the ecological, legal, and ethical dilemmas surrounding India’s 60 million st...

Welcome to Season 4 of the Think Wildlife Podcast, where we explore the frontlines of biodiversity conservation through stories that shape the future of our planet. In this episode, host Anish Banerjee speaks with Ram Pratap Singh, a social entrepreneur, conservationist, and founder of the Indian School of Nature, who has spent over two decades working to restore the Chambal River—one of India’s m...

As the world rapidly urbanizes, our cities face growing challenges of ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate impacts. In the 1950s, only 30% of the world’s population lived in cities; by the 2030s, that number will exceed 60%. While this shift creates opportunities for rural rewilding, it also threatens the health of our urban ecosystems. One of the most powerful solutions emerging...

Coral reefs are among the most extraordinary ecosystems on our planet, supporting nearly a quarter of all marine life despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor. In this episode, we dive deep into the wonders and challenges of the Great Barrier Reef , the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers and visible even from outer space. Our guest, Carolyn Trewin...

Human-elephant conflict is one of the most pressing challenges in conservation biology, especially across Asia’s biodiversity hotspots where elephants and people share fragmented landscapes. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Anish speaks with Anandi Gandhi , a PhD researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz, whose work in Eastern Thailand explores how farmers and elephants...

Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on Earth, making them critical indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity preservation. In this episode, we are joined by Mark Mandica, Executive Director of Amphibian Foundation , who shares his expertise on amphibian ecology, conservation biology, and the urgent need to protect these keystone species and ecosystem engineers. His lea...

Wetlands are among the most fragile and threatened ecosystems on Earth, disappearing three times faster than forests. Since the 1970s, 35% of the world’s wetlands have vanished due to urbanization, pollution , and poor water management, yet these habitats are biodiversity hotspots essential for climate resilience, freshwater biodiversity, and wildlife conservation . In this episode, we sit down wi...

Elephants are among the planet’s most iconic species, revered as gentle giants, ecosystem engineers, and keystone species essential to biodiversity conservation . Yet across Africa, these magnificent animals face one of their gravest challenges—not poaching alone, but rising human–elephant conflict . In this episode, we speak with Purity Milgo from the Save the Elephants Foundation, an organizatio...

What does rewilding mean in an African context? How can biodiversity conservation and community-led conservation go hand in hand to restore the African wilderness? In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we explore these questions with James Arnott, co-founder of Rewilding Africa, a leading non-profit working to advance rewilding, restoration ecology, and wildlife conservation across the Af...

How can DSLR camera traps, remote sensing, and affordable wildlife technology transform biodiversity monitoring in India? In this episode, we speak with Dhruvam Desai, founder of Pardus Wild-tech LLP, a pioneering Indian startup that is transforming the field of wildlife monitoring and ecological research through innovative, India-made camera systems. Dhruvam discusses how his early passion for bi...

In this insightful episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Divya Karnad , one of India's leading marine conservationists and the co-founder of InSeason Fish , a pioneering initiative promoting sustainable fisheries and responsible seafood consumption across India’s coastal communities. From India’s vibrant marine ecosystems to its threatened fisheries , this conversation dives deep...

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Praneetha Monipi, founder of the Adhvaya Foundation, a grassroots organization pioneering integrated approaches to wildlife conservation and community welfare. We dive deep into the world of macaque ecology, primate conservation, and the growing challenges of human-primate interactions in India. Focusing on the bonnet macaque, one of...

Join us in this powerful episode as we dive into the heart of river biodiversity and conservation in South India with Sandeep Menon of the Wildlife Association of South India (WASI). Discover the story of the critically endangered humpback mahseer (Tor remadevii), a keystone and iconic fish species endemic to the Cauvery River and protected within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. This episode highl...

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Suzanne Asha Stone , founder of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network , to explore the urgent and inspiring work being done to foster human-wildlife coexistence in an age of escalating human-wildlife conflict. As global ecosystems teeter on the edge due to climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity collapse, Suzanne sheds...

How does animal behavior shape conservation outcomes? In this thought-provoking episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee speaks with Dr. Deyatima Ghosh, a postdoctoral researcher at ATREE, to explore the vital links between animal personality, cognition, and biodiversity conservation. With a particular focus on reptiles and amphibians in India’s agricultural landscapes, the conve...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Teri Allendorf, Executive Director of Community Conservation, to explore the transformative impact of community-led conservation. Dr. Allendorf brings over three decades of experience working at the intersection of biodiversity and local communities, with groundbreaking work in Nepal, India, Myanmar, Cameroon, China, and Belize. This conversation delves deep into...

Join us on this special episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast as we journey deep into one of India’s most overlooked ecological marvels — the Eastern Ghats . Known as a biodiversity hotspot , the Eastern Ghats are a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From rare mammals and elusive reptiles to ancient forests and unique conservation challenges, this episode is your gateway to un...

In this inspiring episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast , we’re joined by Sri Chakra Pranav Tamarapalli , marine biologist and founder of the East Coast Conservation Team (ECCT) , to dive deep into the untold story of conservation along India’s East Coast —a region often overlooked in biodiversity efforts. From protecting smooth-coated otters in freshwater wetlands to documenting rare intertidal b...

India’s biodiversity hotspots are under growing threat from linear infrastructure —highways, railways, canals, and transmission lines that fragment habitats and disrupt wildlife corridors . In this thought-provoking episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast , we dive into the world of landscape ecology and wildlife conservation with two leading conservationists, Sheetal Kolhe and Milind Pariwakam , co...

In this in-depth episode of our conservation podcast, we’re joined by Aditi Patil and Manya Singh—co-founders of Conservation Indica , a grassroots organization reshaping how we approach biodiversity conservation and protecting grasslands in India. This conversation dives into the realities of working with grassland ecosystems, the urgent need to rethink conservation science, and the challenges an...

In this powerful episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast , we are joined by Meenal Tatpati , a leading researcher and advocate for forest rights , indigenous knowledge , and democratic conservation. Together, we explore the transformative impact of the Forest Rights Act 2006 (FRA 2006) and challenge the outdated logic of fortress conservation . Meenal explains how the forest rights act of 2006 recog...

In this inspiring episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast , we welcome Aviram Rozin , founder of Sadhana Forest , a globally respected movement dedicated to reforestation , sustainable development , and nature-based solutions . What started in 2003 as a family’s dream to revive degraded land in Tamil Nadu has evolved into an international model for ecological restoration and community-led change. Wi...

In this fascinating episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast , we dive into the groundbreaking work of Project Dhvani , a pioneering conservation initiative using bioacoustics to revolutionize how we understand and manage biodiversity in India’s tropical landscapes. Host Anish sits down with Dr. Vijay Ramesh , co-founder of Project Dhvani, to discuss how animal vocalization and animal sounds captured...

In this deeply enriching episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast , we delve into the transformative journey of Trishala Ashok—an award-winning jewelry designer turned conservation filmmaker and founder of True Story Media Productions LLP. Through an inspiring and heartfelt conversation, Trishala takes us on a voyage that beautifully bridges creativity and science, forging a path that is not just abo...

Welcome to this insightful episode of Think Wildlife Podcast, where we delve deep into the pressing issues of human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife trade, and conservation efforts in Africa. In this episode, we speak with Maurice Schutgens, Managing Director of Conservation at Space for Giants , an organization dedicated to preserving Africa’s iconic megafauna and landscapes. We explore the co...