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Shreyas stands as a shining example of dedication and expertise in the realm of wildlife conservation. With a solid academic foundation in Zoology, he has honed his skills and knowledge to become a prominent figure in the field. His journey began with a fortuitous encounter during a survey in 2016, which led to a paradigm shift in his focus from the Bengal Tiger to the enigmatic caracal. This encounter marked the inception of his unwavering dedication to the conservation of lesser Felidae.

 

Academic Excellence and Expertise:

  • Shreyas's academic journey culminated in a Master's degree in Wildlife Conservation Action, solidifying his expertise in the domain.

  • His research endeavours, spanning six years, have delved deep into caracal behaviour and ecology, resulting in an impressive database of over 180 caracal sightings and comprehensive study maps.

  • Notably, his master's thesis provided valuable insights into identifying suitable habitats for caracals in western India, showcasing his analytical acumen and research prowess.

 

Initiative and Conservation Advocacy:

  • Shreyas's passion for conservation led him to establish the Caracal Conservation and Research Project (CCARP) in 2019, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to the study and preservation of caracals.

  • He took proactive steps to advance our understanding of caracals and enhance their preservation by initiating CCARP.

  • His commitment extended beyond research, as he contributed his expertise to the Gujarat Forest Department's caracal camera trapping program and conducted baseline and reconnaissance surveys to gather vital data for comprehensive conservation action plans.

 

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Involvement with Esteemed Organisations:

  • Shreyas's dedication to wildlife conservation led him to join the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a research assistant, showcasing his commitment to hands-on conservation efforts.

  • He further demonstrated his versatility by serving as an academic intern for the Marketing, Communications, and Campaigns department at the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

  • His affiliation with the Indian Zoological Society and participation in the Institute of National History Education and Research (INHER) underscore his continuous pursuit of knowledge in the field.

 

IUCN Red List for Species - Global & Regional Assessor:

  • Shreyas's authority as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Global Assessor speaks volumes about his expertise.

  • With the power to categorise species based on a range of assessments, he contributes to the accurate depiction of species' conservation statuses.

 

Wikipedia Contributor:

  • Shreyas's role as a qualified Wikipedia contributor showcases his commitment to spreading awareness about environmental and earth sciences.

  • His contributions to Wikipedia pages and articles enrich the accessibility of information related to conservation and wildlife.

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Having completed Phase I and Phase II of the caracal conservation program in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Shreyas now seeks external funding to continue his impactful conservation efforts.

 

In summary, Shreyas is not only a Caracal Biologist and Monitoring Analyst but a true force of nature in the field of wildlife conservation. His expertise, passion, and proactive initiatives have positioned him as a valuable asset to wildlife conservation, contributing significantly to the understanding, preservation, and advocacy of wildlife, particularly the remarkable caracals.

Current role:

Shreyas holds the position of "Data Scientist" at The Grasslands Trust, an NGO headquartered in Pune, dedicated to conserving Indian Gray Wolves and preserving India's pristine grasslands. Concurrently, he spearheads the "CCARP" project in partnership with the Government of India in Gujarat, focusing on the conservation of the elusive Asiatic caracals. His dual roles underscore his commitment to leveraging data science for wildlife conservation, bridging expertise between non-profit organizations and governmental initiatives to safeguard endangered species and their habitats.

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