Viral is currently a Senior Project Associate at Dr. Robin VV Lab at Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, working on a case study in the Eastern Ghats, revolving around the passive acoustic monitoring of owls using automated species recognition. We spoke with him about his professional journey, its highs and lows, and his future plans.

Tell us a bit about your formative years and how your love for birds was sparked?

My journey into the world of birds began unexpectedly with a dusty library book—Common Birds by Salim Ali and Laeeq Futehally. This book shifted my fascination to the incredible diversity of birds. As a child, I was captivated by nature, glued to wildlife shows by legends like David Attenborough, Steve Irwin, Nigel Marven, and Jeff Corwin, whose passion still inspires me.

In 2009, a birdwatching camp by the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG) became a turning point, connecting me to Gujarat’s birding community and deepening my knowledge. Soon, I began exploring wildlife around my village, Saladi (Amreli, Gujarat), focusing on birds and snakes. Over time, I found inspiration in pioneers like Salim Ali, Dharmakumarsinhji Raol, Lalsinh Raol, and Ravi Sankaran who have contributed to Indian ornithology. Since then, it’s been an incredible journey, with my love for birds growing every step of the way.

From a Bachelor’s in Psychology to a career in conservation – you’ve taken an interesting leap. What prompted you to do it?

Growing up, I always had a deep love for wildlife and nature but didn’t know how to turn it into a career. My education was unconventional—I started schooling in a village, shifted to a Sanskrit medium school for four years to study Vedas and Shastras, and then moved to mainstream education for 11th grade. The sudden transition was challenging, and while I wanted to join the science stream, I ended up studying psychology due to the pressure from relatives. I realized it wasn’t for me by the second semester, so I dropped out and joined a project with Dr. Sahas Barve. That experience showed me how my hobby of sound recording could intersect with ecology and conservation, inspiring me to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Science.

My journey into bioacoustics began when I heard a Tawny Lark mimicking other birds. It mesmerized and pulled me deeper into this world, leading me away from a ‘mainstream’ career path. By then, I had already visited all Gujarat national parks and sanctuaries and explored parts of the Himalayas.

Looking back, my background in psychology has been valuable—it gave me insights into animal behavior and shaped my approach to conservation. Though my path wasn’t planned, it has been incredibly rewarding.

What have been some of the most enriching discoveries of your career so far?

Every step of my journey in wildlife conservation has been full of discoveries that have deeply impacted me. Recording wildlife sounds has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences. Each time I step into nature, I’m reminded of its beauty and unpredictability. The unexpected moments with wildlife often leave me amazed, filling me with excitement and a sense of humility.

As a sound recordist, hearing new sounds is always thrilling. Imagine leaving the noise of city life behind, sitting by a quiet stream, and listening to the soothing sounds of nature. It’s almost like meditation. The variety of sounds made by different creatures feels like stepping into a whole new world, one that you can truly appreciate only by listening closely.

Some sounds stay with you forever. The roar of an Asiatic lion, for example, is both powerful and awe-inspiring, evoking a mix of fear and wonder. Birdsongs, on the other hand, are like nature’s orchestra—so beautiful and full of life. One of my most unforgettable experiences was hearing a humpback whale in the open ocean. Watching a baby whale jump out of the water was incredible, but listening to their haunting calls moments later was something I’ll never forget. It felt like the ocean itself was singing.

Every sound I’ve recorded is special to me. From the roar of a predator to the soft chirps of a bird, each one reminds me of how extraordinary our planet is. Capturing these sounds inspires me to continue learning about and protecting the natural world.

How can we foster a love for wildlife and sensitivity regarding conservation among the next generation?

Imagine the wonder in a child’s eyes as they watch a butterfly emerge from its cocoon or hear the rhythmic croak of a frog under a starry sky. These moments of connection are where a lifelong love for nature begins. To foster this love and sensitivity towards conservation in the next generation, we need to take them back to where it all starts: nature itself.

Teaching children about wildlife isn’t just about books or presentations; it’s about creating experiences. Show them the incredible journey of a four-gram warbler crossing the Himalayas or let them stand in silence to listen to the chorus of crickets at dusk. When kids feel the earth beneath their feet, breathe the scent of a forest, and witness the marvels of life firsthand, they develop a bond with the natural world. And when we love something deeply, we instinctively want to protect it.

The new generation has immense potential. With better access to technology, resources, and innovative tools like AI for conservation, they can tackle environmental challenges like never before. AI can track animal migrations, monitor endangered species, and analyze data faster than ever, but none of this matters without passionate individuals behind the screens.

As stewards of the environment, we must provide opportunities for young minds to explore, question, and immerse themselves in the wild. Let them marvel at the world, and in doing so, we ignite a spark that grows into a flame of conservation. With curiosity as their compass and technology as their ally, the next generation can safeguard the natural world for years to come. 

What are the challenges you faced over the course of your journey, and what did you learn from overcoming them?

A major hurdle was gathering the courage to choose an unconventional field like conservation, which many people misunderstand and mostly associate with glamorous television jobs, like working for channels such as Discovery. I often had to explain the true scope of this field. Standing out in such a unique domain often made me the center of attention in family discussions, which came with its own pressures. However, this taught me the importance of resilience and the value of pursuing a passion despite societal expectations.

The second challenge was financial constraints. Coming from a low-income family, I couldn’t afford the expensive equipment necessary for recorders. To overcome this, I used online resources to build my own sound recording equipment using basic materials like a cattle feeder. This DIY approach, costing only ₹300, achieved what professional setups worth ₹2 lakhs could do. This experience taught me resourcefulness and the power of creativity in problem-solving.

Lastly, coming from a small village, I initially struggled with communication, especially when surrounded by fluent English speakers. This often made me feel inferior and out of place, and overcoming this took a significant amount of time and effort. However, instead of letting this discourage me, I gradually improved my skills with the support of my amazing colleagues and lab members. Their encouragement and guidance played a crucial role in helping me build confidence and adaptability over time.

What advice would you give to budding conservationists?

Conservation is a challenging but rewarding field that demands dedication and stepping out of your comfort zone. Focus on an area you’re passionate about, like species protection, habitat restoration, or research—your interest will motivate you. Be ready for obstacles like working in remote locations, limited funding, or explaining your career choice to others. These experiences will help you grow.

Networking is vital—connect with peers, researchers, and mentors to share ideas and find opportunities. Learn a mix of skills, from using technology and analyzing data to engaging with communities, and be creative with the resources you have. Remember, conservation is about people as much as wildlife. Collaborate with local communities and involve them in your efforts, as their support is crucial for success. Even a tiny chirp can echo far. Every gentle peck at the ground contributes, every little effort helps protect biodiversity and makes a big difference.

What plans next? What would you like to focus on in the coming years?

Over the past 5–6 years, I have worked on various projects involving bioacoustics technology - to study birds in the Shola Sky Island landscape, while working with Dr. Robin’s lab, and at IISER Tirupati. The Inlaks internship opportunity at the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics was a turning point, providing me with incredible exposure to advanced acoustic technologies and even introducing me to the fascinating field of underwater acoustics. This experience motivated me to pursue further research in the evolving field of bioacoustics, especially given India’s status as a biodiversity hotspot and the pressing environmental challenges we face. I am eager to contribute more significantly to conservation efforts using bioacoustics.

Currently, I am focused on the Eastern Ghats landscape in Andhra Pradesh, working on detecting one of the world’s rarest and critically endangered birds, Jerdon’s Courser. This elusive species, last officially reported in 2008, remains a significant mystery. My work involves using bioacoustic technology to survey historically reported and unexplored locations for this species. I am also developing a bioacoustic monitoring system to facilitate the study and conservation of this nocturnal bird. Looking ahead, I aim to continue leveraging emerging technologies to enhance conservation efforts, expand bioacoustic applications, and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.