Wetlands are an integral part of every landscape. The different types of wetlands provide habitats to several life forms that remain associated or dependant on the wetland. Understanding the ecosystem services and interlinkages among the various lifeforms and wetland habitats is essential in designing strategies and policies aiding conservation. SACON has been contributing significantly to the research, documentation and conservation of wetlands across the country. It has played a leaders’ role in aspects of policy making and added to the knowledge of Indian wetlands. The Wetland Ecology division at SACON pursues to carry on with the good work and further it by laying importance on research and training.
The emphasis in research will be to study the ecological aspects of the wetlands and its utility to the flora and fauna including the bird species. Although the species and habitat specific research will have a prominence, integrating sustainability of individual wetlands is of equal concern.
The Wetland Ecology division also conducts training programme required for capacity building of various stake holders viz. forest officials, students, teachers and researchers.
Dr. Goldin Quadros, Principal Scientist
Dr. Mahendiran Mylswamy, Senior Scientist
Mr. Prathamesh Gurjarpadhye, Senior Research Biologist (SRB) &Ph.D. Scholar
I obtained my Master’s degree in Zoology from Mumbai University (2015). After completing Masters, my passion for wildlife drove me towards the field of wildlife research. My interest lies in Wetland Conservation, Ornithology and Genetics. I joined Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in year 2015. I work under three different research projects conducted by SACON. During these projects, I developed various skills like sample (Water, Soil, Benthos, Planktons) collection and analysis techniques, identification of Fish, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Benthos, Bird study Techniques, Mangroves identification and study methods. During six years of my research career, I got the opportunity to improve my observation skills, Communication, teamwork and Leadership skills, Ability to adapt, Micromanagement and increase the ability to work independently for extended periods of time in unfavourable field conditions. During this period, I have worked on Edible Nest Swiftlet and also registered for my Ph.D. under the mentorship of Dr. Manchi Shirish at Bharathiar University. Currently, I am working as a Senior Research Biologist in Wetland Ecology Division on the project titled “Rejuvenation of storm water drain and restoration of holding ponds in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation area.” I wish to contribute more information to this field of wetlands that presently-lack ecological knowhow.
Contact: gurjarpadhyeprathamesh@gmail.com Phone: 7588310361/ 9920132366
Dr. Swapna Devi Ray, Research Associate (RA), Wetland Ecology Division
I hail from the “Land of One Horned Rhino” i.e. Assam, India. I have completed my first M.Sc. in “Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology” from Gauhati University, Guwahati and the second one in “Life Science (Zoology)” from Assam University, Silchar. With a versatile career graph, I joined in SACON in the year of 2017 in the project titled “Establishment of National Avian Forensic Laboratory”. Eventually, I earned “Doctor of Philosophy” degree in Zoology from Bharathiar University for which I have been trained in Avian Biology, Illegal Wildlife Trade (specifically birds), and different tools and techniques of Wildlife Forensics for species identification. Our team together tried to bring light upon the neglected branch of Ornithology i.e., Plumlogy for the Indian birds which provides a new platform to future researchers. I have also gained experience in “Wetland Study” while working with the SACON EIACP team for the past year.
I am also interested in documenting butterfly and Odonates as well as connecting with the young generations as “Nature Educator”. Currently, I am engaged in the project titled “Preparation of Brief Documents, Health Cards and Wetland Management Plans for Select 115 wetlands in the Union Territory of Puducherry” as a “Research Associate (RA)” under Dr. Goldin Quadros where our team is exploring the wetlands of Puducherry Union territory for various aspects.
Email ID: swapnadray555@gmail.com
ResearchGate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Swapna-Ray
Ms. SANTHOSINI, Junior Research Biologist
I graduated in Zoology from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. I live in a place surrounded by hills and the landscape dotted with hillocks and lakes, Salem, Tamil Nadu. These ecosystems were where I first learned the fundamentals of birdwatching and butterflies; my interest in migratory birds led me to visit these areas frequently. My involvement in various bird and butterfly census across Tamil Nadu and Kerala has not only deepened my understanding but also connected me with like-minded individuals and passionate conservationists. As an active participant in local birding communities and NGOs, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to meaningful programs aimed at bird and ecosystem education. My Interest lies in Avian Ecology and Migratory movements of small passerine birds.
Work experience:
After completing my master’s degree, I began working with TBCT in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department as a Research Fellow. My responsibilities included overseeing the bird and butterfly components of the study. In 2021, I joined SACON as a Junior Research Biologist for the Bird Observatory Project, where I focused on studying bird and butterfly movements, as well as the phenology of trees in and around the SACON Campus. In June 2023, I transitioned to the role of Biologist at Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, where I organized numerous camps and workshops for students and the public, and conducted population studies of fauna. Since January 2024, I have been employed by SACON as a Junior Research Biologist, and I am currently involved in a project. “Preparation of Brief documents, Health cards, and Wetland Management Plans for select 115 wetlands in the Union Territory of Puducherry.”
Email: santhosini97@gmail.com
Mr.Basu SS Nair, Junior Research Biologist
I hail from Coimbatore, a place which lies very close to natural havens and notable wildlife attractions, sparking my interest to explore more about wildlife and diverse ecosystems. I pursued my postgraduation in Zoology, focusing on soundscape ecology and bioacoustics for my dissertation. This allowed me to study the diversity of Avifauna and the impact of urbanization & anthropogenic activities on ecosystems. I’ve volunteered for several wildlife population estimation exercises and also had the privilege of visiting some of the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, these visits have deepened my appreciation for the incredible biodiversity of our natural world and the need for its conservation. I have participated in the Coimbatore City Bird Atlas, which broadened my awareness of the intricate relationship between urbanization and biodiversity.
My interest lies in understanding more about wildlife and contributing to their conservation efforts. At Present, I am working as a Junior Research Biologist on the project titled, “Preparation of Brief documents, Health cards, and Wetland Management Plans for select 115 wetlands in the Union Territory of Puducherry.”
E-mail: ssbasu1800@gmail.com
Ms. KAVIYA BALAGURUSWAMI, Research Associate
I graduated from Bharathiar University with a Ph.D. Being a hodophile and adaptable to different work environments, I gained experience working in various wildlife-related programmes, such as taking part in annual wildlife and bird censuses and understanding situations involving Human-Animal Conflict in the districts of Uttarkashi, Alipurduar, Coimbatore, and Erode through internships and volunteering activities. These experiences motivated me to become passionate about wildlife conservation and programmes that use Geographic Information System (GIS) to understand the landscape, the distribution of wildlife and patterns of habitat use. Currently I have joined the project “PREPARATION OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 12 RAMSAR SITES IN TAMIL NADU” as a Research Associate, under the supervision of Dr. Goldin Quadros, Principal Scientist, Wetland Ecology.
Email: kaviyamvatsala@gmail.com
Mr. MANIKANTA THRINATH VIROTHI, Junior Research Biologist
I completed my Post Graduation in Marine Science from Bharathidasan University. I want to excel and gain knowledge about the Conservation sites in India. I got selected as JUNIOR RESEARCH BIOLOGIST for the Project “PREPARATION OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 12 RAMSAR SITES IN TAMIL NADU” Under the Supervision of Dr. Goldin Quadros, Principal Scientist, Wetland Ecology, Sacon. I am enthusiastic to work under him and with my team and to learn more about the Ramsar sites and gain knowledge in using the Equipment and Software’s during the Project. SACON is a place with well-established laboratories and legendary scientists. Though it is a short-term Project, having Pleasure to work with the Team and in SACON. I hope this Project make me more potential in learning and gaining the skills and knowledge and helps me improve my communication skills, Observation skills, Team Work and adapting to the conditions.
Email: manikantavirothi@gmail.com
Ms. NIVETHA .A .R, Junior Research Biologist
My name is Nivetha A.R, hailing from Kanyakumari. My profound passion for nature led me to pursue zoology during my undergraduate studies. While carrying out my Bachelor’s degree, I came across about an article discussing the conservation efforts for pandas. This sparked a deep interest in conservation within me, prompting me to pursue a Master’s degree in Zoology at Bharathiar University. Throughout my Master’s program I have actively engaged in many birds survey and currently, I am Junior Research Biologist in division of Wetland Ecology and involved in a project titled “Preparation of Integrated Management Plan for 12 Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu” to dedicate myself in wetland conservation along with my team members
Email ID: niveazhakesan97@gmail.com
Ms. SANTHWANA .A, Junior Research Biologist
Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and I’m incredibly passionate about wildlife and conservation, So that I have done my Master’s degree from Bharathiar university (2021) in Zoology. My fields of research interests are basically wildlife conservation, and ornithology. Throughout my academic journey, I have continually sought opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation. My educational background in conservation biology, combined with hands-on experience gained through internships and volunteer work, has equipped me with a solid foundation in conservation biology, ecology, and environmental policy. Currently I Joined SACON as a Junior Research Biologist at the wetland ecology division in a project “Preparation of Integrated Management Plan for 12 Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu”.
Email: santhwanajith@gmail.com
Mr. VIJAYA KUMAR.C, Junior Research Biologist
I have completed my Masters in Zoology at Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Autonomous) affiliated with Bharathiyar University in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. And I did my PG project under the title of “Status, Diversity and Population of both resident and migratory Diurnal raptor species in the Coimbatore Forest Division of Tamil Nadu, India”. During my Master’s I developed various skills like wildlife survey techniques, Statistics, QGIS software and etc., And I have completed few courses related on GIS and its applications. My Field of specialization is to study the distribution of avifaunal diversity especially on diurnal raptors in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Currently working as a Junior Research Biologist in the division of Wetland Ecology on the project titled “Preparation of Integrated Management Plans for 12 Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu”.
Email: vijayvijitha2891999@gmail.com
Research Projects – Ongoing
Research Projects Completed
National
International
in Books/ Proceedings of International / National Seminars / Conferences.
Books Published