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Young Indian Researchers Win Prestigious Future Conservationist Award for Protecting Malabar Grey Hornbill


A team of young researchers from KFRI has brought global recognition to conservation efforts in the Western Ghats by winning the Future Conservationist Award from the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP). The award has been conferred for their pioneering project to conserve the Malabar Grey Hornbill, a vulnerable species endemic to the Western Ghats.

The award-winning team — Ahirbudhnyan M., Shireen Sithara, Akshay Moti, and Sivasankari G. — is working under the expert mentorship of Dr. Peroth Balakrishnan, Head of the Department of Wildlife Biology at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI).

Their project stands out for its community-driven approach in the plantation landscapes of Wayanad, where hornbills often nest outside officially protected areas. By mapping nesting habitats and actively engaging local communities, the team aims to ensure that conservation goes beyond the boundaries of sanctuaries and reserves, integrating biodiversity protection into people's daily lives.

Dr. Balakrishnan commended the team's innovative approach, stating, "This is a significant step towards building conservation models that are inclusive and sustainable. It shows how science and community participation can come together for the benefit of our ecosystems."

KFRI expressed immense pride in supporting the project.  Projects like these demonstrate the power of blending scientific research with grassroots involvement to create lasting change.

The Malabar Grey Hornbill is a flagship species of the Western Ghats, and its conservation is crucial not just for biodiversity but also for maintaining the region's ecological integrity. This recognition from CLP places the young researchers among a global network of conservationists dedicated to protecting the planet's most threatened species and habitats.


Published on: April 11, 2025

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