Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar is a distinguished wildlife conservationist, researcher, institution builder and advocate for community-led conservation whose work has significantly influenced rhino protection and biodiversity conservation in India and internationally. With more than three decades of engagement in wildlife conservation, he has combined scientific research, community participation, policy development and institutional leadership to address some of the most complex challenges facing endangered species.
Born in 1968 into a middle-class teachers’ family in Dhubri, Assam, he developed an early appreciation for the region’s natural heritage. His academic journey in Zoology at Gauhati University strengthened his interest in biodiversity research. Under the guidance of Professor Parimal Chandra Bhattacharjee, he conducted research on the White-winged Wood Duck, contributing to its recognition as the State Bird of Assam. The experience shaped his conviction that scientific knowledge could become a powerful instrument for conservation.
In 1989, he founded Aaranyak as a nature club, bringing together young people to engage in conservation across Northeast India. Over time, the organisation evolved into a prominent scientific and conservation institution working in research, monitoring, education, capacity building, policy development and environmental governance. His approach has consistently emphasised the connection between wildlife conservation, community participation, rural livelihoods and youth empowerment.
Rhino conservation has remained one of his most significant areas of expertise. He initiated the Rhino Conservation and Awareness Project targeting local communities and students and contributed to efforts aimed at combating rhino poaching. His international experience also included participation in the development of rhino reintroduction protocols in Kenya. In 2007, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) appointed him Co-Chair of its Asian Rhino Specialist Group (AsRSG) and later in 2008 he was appointed as Chair of AsRSG, a position he holds for four successive IUCN Quadrennium till 2025 – a significant recognition of his expertise and leadership in rhino conservation.
His networking capabilities contributed to the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, a collaborative conservation initiative aimed at restoring rhino populations in Assam, including in Manas National Park. He participated in a series of rhino translocation to Manas from Kaziranga NP and Pobitora WLS and applied lessons from African rhino conservation to support population built-up. His work subsequently expanded to include the conservation of Sumatran and Javan rhinos, as well as participation in international assessments and strategic planning for rhinoceros conservation.
His conservation efforts have extended beyond species protection to strengthening wildlife enforcement. He supported modern communication systems, anti-poaching infrastructure, vehicles and boats for rhino-bearing areas in Assam. He also pioneered organised K9 sniffer-dog services for wildlife crime detection, creating an additional layer of support for forest and police authorities. Since 1997, he has conducted legal-orientation programmes for enforcement agencies and later expanded these initiatives to include organisations such as the SSB, BSF, ITBP and CISF, as well as judicial officials to enhance conviction against wildlife crime.
His contributions have received national and international recognition. He became an Ashoka Fellow in 2007 and received the IUCN Species Survival Commission Chair’s Citation Award in 2008. In 2024, he received the Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership from the IUCN Species Survival Commission. He was also honoured by the Assam government for his contribution to wildlife and environmental protection and appointed Professor of Practice at Girijananda Chowdhury University in 2025. He serves as Guest faculty at the Central Academy for State Forest Services (CASFOS) and the Human Resource Development Centre, Gauhati University, inspiring future conservation leaders and educators.
Through Aaranyak, he has created a lasting institutional platform for conservation research and youth development. The organisation’s recognition as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and its receipt of the Assam Government’s Best Scientific Institution in Assam Award in 2017 further reflect the impact of his institution-building efforts.
Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar’s career represents a sustained commitment to biodiversity, scientific conservation and community empowerment. His work continues to demonstrate how research, collaboration and visionary leadership can strengthen wildlife protection while inspiring a new generation of conservation professionals. He is one of the editors of a book named – “Rhinos of the World” published in 2025.
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