Our experience in conservation

Our team includes Professors C. Srinivasulu and B. Srinivasulu of the Department of Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad. They have ongoing research projects, at the invitation of the Forest Department, to study herpetofaunal (reptiles!) of Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve(NSTR) and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

Our interest in biodiversity and wildlife conservation dates back to 1998 when Harsha studied tiger ecology in NSTR under the guidance of Dr. Srinivasulu. Our team was the first to photograph a wild tiger in the reserve using camera trap technology, and we wrote the first scientific article on tiger ecology in NSTR. Today, the Forest Department has a grid of camera traps used to conduct the annual wild tiger census. Dr. Srinivasulu and his team have published 16 scientific papers on wildlife in the Nallamalas, and new projects are being planned, but we need your support. See bibliography.

The wild areas of India are under constant pressure from industrialization and population growth. Despite the diligent efforts of the Forest Department, the protected areas of NSTR and GBWS also face these existential threats. We believe that people and the environment are intimately connected, and this is especially true in these forest communities. Welfare of the tribal community – from drinking water to infectious disease – is intimately linked with maintaining healthy natural ecosystems around them.

Lokana plans to support research and conservation efforts through funding of scholarly work and through employment of local Chenchu villagers as field experts and community conservation workers.