I am an engineer, a trained conservation biologist and a poet. I am primarily interested in animal behavior and curious to know how understanding behavior could help to conserve endangered species across the globe. Most of my research has focused on Red Pandas, tigers and swamp deer.
Curiosity fuels great research. Well, as a kid I did not recognize this but I was curious enough to know how electric batteries work or how heat gets transferred from hot to cold bodies. I even designed brainless experiments to test such inquisitiveness certainly to develop more interest in science. Through my education and little experience, I have understood that curiosity and imagination at any level is the root of discoveries. It’s quite often that you might be curious about one thing today and another thing tomorrow but the feeling remains the same – to know new things, to know more.
During my engineering, I always wanted to apply interdisciplinary fields to support humanity and nature sustainably. I thought, perhaps, my technical expertise would help me imagine new ways to tackle some of the root problems in nature and society. It was not until my third year in college that I have come to know about the wildlife sciences through an online article, thanks to my reading habit.
Soon I developed an interest in wildlife and its management. That is the reason for choosing wildlife biology for my post-graduation studies where I could contribute to building a better planet to live in, for animals and humans together. My striking curiosity and craving to learn new techniques in science drive me to work in the field of wildlife and conservation.
Studying the secret lives of Red Pandas
During my graduation days, I started working on the red panda, endangered arboreal mammals found in the Himalayas of the Indian subcontinent. “How red pandas are doing in captivity?” was the basic question I intend to answer ultimately to support the reintroduction program. The project initially focuses on the captive populations looking into their welfare status and factors affecting them. This was through behavioural observation and physiological monitoring.
For my dissertation, I measured stereotypy and behavioural diversity as a means of welfare behaviours in captive red pandas. Additionally, to monitor species physiology I measured faecal hormones – cortisol, progesterone, and testosterone through Enzyme Immunoassays (EIA’s). I covered captive populations across three zoos in northeastern India. Subsequently, I statistically analyzed behavioral and physiological data for biological and environmental variables. This was to understand what factors influence the welfare of captive red pandas. Furthermore, I am interested to investigate the wild populations to facilitate the reintroduction programme of captive red pandas in the eastern Himalayas.
Working with rare Barasinghas
Post-graduating, I worked with the Wildlife Institute of India on swamp deer in Gangetic plain. The project was addressing two questions.
- What are the places occupied by swamp deer?
- How do swamp deer operate in a human-dominated landscape?
To understand the movement pattern of the species we radio-collared (GPS collars) two individuals and collected data for two years. The animal tracking process was fascinating. This was beause swamplands are one of the toughest field sites to work in. We also collected suspected faecal samples. Using genetic markers we confirmed the species identification and sex. The idea was to support our finding through an interdisciplinary approach. This included the use of radio-collars, camera traps and genetic studies. It was jaw-dropping to see how swamp deer exist with humans by altering their movement and day-to-day activities.
Reintroducing Red Pandas
I was also part of the red panda reintroduction plan at Singhalila National Park with Darjeeling Zoo and Central Zoo Authority, India. The project aims at selecting and training red panda individuals for the augmentation program at Singhalila National Park, India. My job was to train red pandas for foraging competency and anti-predator behaviors before releasing in the wild. I contributed to designing food-based enrichment and threat inducing experiments. This was to induce foraging competency and threat response respectively in the selected individuals. We have programmed satellite collars. To check collar credibility and behavioral response of the individual, we collared and tested one individual as a pre-release exercise. It was amazing to work at Singhalila NP, one of the birdwatching hotspots in India.
Understanding the impact of humans on tiger behaviour
Currently, I am working with the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-CCMB. My work involves the physiological monitoring of tiger populations concerning anthropogenic pressure in several tiger reserves in India. The project’s objective is to determine the status of wild tiger populations relating to anthropogenic pressure especially tourism. Across field sites, anthropogenic stress and breeding hotspots were identified. This project involves a great field effort to collect faecal samples of wild tigers and record ecological parameters. We are using genetic markers to confirm species and sex identification and Enzyme Immunoassays (EIAs) to measure stress (cortisol) and reproductive hormones.
Working with different institutes and species, I have learnt a bunch of skill sets in Animal behaviour, conservation biology (physiology and genetics) and, conservation breeding and reintroduction.
Translating Conservation Project
Apart from the research, I have been working to develop a conservation education project called “Translating Conservation (TraCon) – connecting people with meaningful information. For the project idea, I have been awarded the 2020 CoalitionWILD EXCELerator – a global youth leadership programme conducted by CoalitionWILD, The WILD Foundation. Through TraCon I am trying to address the inaccessibility issues (language, paid subscription etc) in conservation and provide meaningful information to common people in India in their regional languages.
Advice for Upcoming Conservation Biologist
With three years of experience as a wildlife biologist, I would love to share certain tips and advice for those who want to make their presence in the wildlife field. To survive in the wildlife the most important qualities you need to possess are passion, enthusiasm, persistence and compassion towards the wildlife. No matter what educational background you belong to without these qualities surviving in the wildlife is impossible. The soon you decide to step into the field start familiarizing yourself with nature around you and learn to grasp knowledge through personnel observations. Do read about nature, read a lot, reading would aid your knowledge and would facilitate your communication and writing skills.
Additionally, you should also, during the education period (in Bachelors and Masters) do volunteer and intern with wildlife-based projects in zoos, NGOs and research institutes wherever possible. This will provide you with a lifetime experience to walk in the forest and learn practically through the experts. There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers and internships, grab them and make your profile strong. Lastly, do put some effort to learn basic statistics; this would make you a complete wildlife biologist. Collecting data is crucial; understanding and interpreting data is what made research complete.
Even if you do not want a career as a conservation biologist, there are still ways to help save wildlife.
Help us Help Them! Think Wildlife Foundation is a non profit organization with various conservation initiatives. Our most prominent campaign is our Caring for Pari intiative. Pari is a rehabilitated elephant at the Wildlife SoS Hospital. 25% of the profits from our store are donated to the elephant hospital for Pari. Other than buying our wonderful merchandise, you could donate directly to our Caring For Pari fundraiser.
Written by: Aamer Sohel Khan
My Contact Details
Email and social media link:
Email: khannaamirsohel@gmail.com (ORCID: 0000-0002-3451-3635)
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aamer_Khan10
Blog: https://medium.com/@khannaamirsohel
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aamir-khan-b359639b/
Face book: https://www.facebook.com/khan.sohel.92372/