TEAM

---

Manya is trained in conservation ecology and environment studies. She is a conservation practitioner working at the interface of science and society. Previously, at Sahjeevan, a national NGO based in Bhuj, she led the people-based biodiversity conservation work in the grasslands of Banni and Saurashtra, designed research frameworks for conservation, and activated material for science communication. Additionally, she has worked on various projects linked to agroforestry systems, urban water security, energy-efficient technologies, and ecosystem services of wetlands in the Himalayas.

Aditi completed her MPhil in Conservation Leadership from the University of Cambridge on a fully-funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (2022-23). Before that, she worked on illegal wildlife trade with Wildlife Conservation Society-India, for three years. She was a Young Professional for two years at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in New Delhi. She is also a published author (Patriarchy and the Pangolin) and has worked as a scriptwriter for a documentary on illegal wildlife trade. When not working, she can be found reading alongside her cat (s).

Aaromal is a passionate wildlife enthusiast with a keen interest in marine mammals. Currently pursuing a master's in Wildlife Conservation Action, he often spends his downtime in his "bat cave" listening to music or playing video games. Aaromal dreams of a career in conservation, where he hopes to work closely with his favorite creatures—whales and dolphins! 

Govind bhai belongs to the Rabari Maldhari community and is based out of Reshammiya village in Chotila taluka of Surendranagar district, Gujarat. Prior to joining Conservation indica, he has two years of experience working with Sahjeevan. Govind bhai has fantastic knowledge about the regional geography, people and nature. At Conservation indica, he is at the forefront of community engagement activities.

Hardik holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda with a specialization in Avian and Wildlife Biology. His M.Sc. dissertation focused on comparing avian diversity across wetlands in Junagadh, where he honed his skills in ecological assessment and bird population monitoring. With extensive field experience documenting over 300 bird species across landscapes ranging from the Terai grasslands of Dudhwa to the coastal wetlands of Porbandar, Hardik brings both scientific precision and passion to his work. At Conservation indica, he contributes to bird monitoring, habitat assessments, and community-based ornithology initiatives.

Suryadip has completed his M.Sc. in Botany from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He has worked as a Visiting faculty of Botany at Shree M.P. Shah Arts and Science College, Surendranagar for one year. He has Oyster mushroom cultivation skills. He was a Volunteer in State Botany fest 2024 at Dang and National  Botany fest 2025 at Statue of Unity, Ektanagar.

Mitali Thakur is a Botany graduate from Himachal Pradesh with a strong interest in plant diversity, mountain landscapes, and field-based conservation.

Growing up in Himachal Pradesh has shaped her interest in the close relationship between people, plants, and wildlife, and she hopes to build her skills through hands-on ecological and community-based conservation work.

Shaina Thiroti is a Botany postgraduate from Himachal Pradesh and a resident of Lahaul, with a strong interest in the plants and ecology of her home landscape. She completed her M.Sc. in Botany from Panjab University in 2024, with research focused on documenting and identifying botanical garden flora. Growing up in Lahaul and speaking the local Pattani dialect gives her a close connection to the landscape and its communities, which she brings to field-based conservation research.

When he is not terrorizing pigeons, Mia offers cuddles and calm to the team. He gets paid in tuna and chicken for his services. He is well aware of the conservation narrative that claims house cats hunt wildlife when let out and he would like to royally disagree.  

We believe that the fusion of science and art can amplify the message of conservation. Conservation indica's field pictures are artistically rendered by our collaborators Dory and Panda (https://www.instagram.com/dory_and_panda/) We aim to share unique, handcrafted pieces that celebrate and protect nature's complexity. Inspired by the intricate beauty of the natural world, we wish to bridge science communication through Conservation indica, highlighting conservation issues.

You can also find us at Etsy shop: doryandpanda.etsy.com

Conservation indica's ethics committee comprises of ecologists and social scientists with over fifteen years of experience in the conservation sector. We go beyond the Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and ensure that research and project outputs are disseminated with our research respondents in the language and medium they prefer. 

Aditi Thacker helps us with all things finance which conservationists are helpless with.