Abinesh Muthaiyan

Abinesh Muthaiyan is a PhD scholar in the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at Pondicherry University. His research focuses on the ecology and conservation of the Madras Hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris), one of India's least-studied endemic small mammals. Endemic to peninsular India, the species is primarily distributed across the dry and semi-arid regions of Tamil Nadu, with scattered populations reported from parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It inhabits dry thorn forests, scrublands, open grasslands and agricultural mosaics. Despite its distribution, little is known about its genetic diversity, population structure and landscape connectivity, limiting the development of effective conservation strategies.

Through the Inlaks–Ravi Sankaran Grant, he will investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the Madras Hedgehog across Tamil Nadu. The project will collect non-invasive biological samples, including hair, spines and tissue opportunistically obtained from road-killed individuals, minimising disturbance to live animals while providing high-quality material for genomic analyses. DNA extracted from these samples will be analysed using next-generation sequencing-based genomic approaches to characterise genome-wide genetic variation. The resulting data will quantify genetic diversity, infer population structure, assess gene flow and evaluate genetic connectivity among populations across fragmented landscapes. By integrating genomic data with the species' geographic distribution, the study will identify genetically distinct populations, reveal potential barriers to dispersal and define priority conservation hotspots. This work will establish the genomic baseline for the Madras Hedgehog across Tamil Nadu, providing a scientific foundation for evidence-based conservation planning, identifying potential Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) and developing long-term strategies to maintain genetic diversity and population viability.

He believes that effective conservation depends on integrating scientific research with local ecological knowledge and meaningful community participation. Alongside his research, he actively conducts conservation education and outreach programmes for students, stakeholders and local communities, improving greater awareness and appreciation of lesser-known species.

Aditya Prasad

Aditya Prasad hails from Gohpur, Biswanath Chariali in Assam, and is a student of geography, as well as a dedicated wildlife researcher. Passionate about biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in Northeast India, his work bridges scientific research, field ecology, and community-driven conservation. He is engaged in conservation initiatives, including research on flood management strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict around Kaziranga National Park.

The key conservation initiative he is involved in, and will be pursuing with the Grant, revolves around turtles. His work focuses on mitigating human-induced threats to turtle populations. He will be implementing a targeted environmental education program focusing on rural schools located near critical turtle habitats and temple ponds. Educational modules will educate students on local ecology, threat identification, and the cultural/ecological value of turtles. He will also be conducting an awareness campaign for the fishing community to make them understand the value of turtles and what they should do if they catch turtles while fishing.

There is a mortality rate of at least two turtles per quarter in the target area, primarily driven by nutritional stress resulting from visitor-supplied processed foods such as puffed rice, and biscuits. To restore natural feeding habits, he proposes a multi-tiered community advocacy model. He will replace highly processed packaged food offerings with ecologically appropriate, nutrient-dense alternatives like sun-dried fish and soybean-based feed. A capacity-building workshop will be conducted for local vendors operating around temple premises to shift commercial stock from processed snacks to approved, sustainable diets.

In-site educational sessions will be held within temple grounds to instruct pilgrims on the biological impacts of artificial feeding on aquatic health. He also aims to create design interventions in temple ponds that support the digestive health of turtles and tortoises during breeding season.