Centre of Excellence
The centre of excellence for wildlife and conservation studies is awarded to the university by Govt of Gujarat in the year 2022-23 and it became functional from October 2023. The centre is developed as a premiere academic and research institute in Gujarat state dedicated to the science-based conservation of wildlife and natural resources of Gujarat state and nurture skilled human resources for conservation research and sustainable development.
Vision
To congregate with the vision of the state government to provide the state of art academic & research institute dedicated to wildlife conservation .
Mission
- To inculcate research attitude and conservative vision among the young generation.
- To create positive and alternative ideas of wildlife conservation synergically grow with constructive development.
- To provide scientific decisive support to the Forest Department of Gujarat.
Prof. Pratapsinhji Chauhan
Vice Chancellor
Message from Vice Chancellor
Conservation of our wildlife and natural resources is now one of the prime objectives of the United Nations under the SDGs and is also a mission of our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It is indeed a matter of proud for Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University family and the entire city of Junagadh, that the government of Gujarat has identified this university to award the Centre of Excellence for Wildlife and Conservation Studies. The centre is now become functional under the auspices of BKNM University and I am sure it will be a flagship institute for wildlife and conservation research in the state. We are planning to launch several short term and long-term academic and research programs at this centre, which will cater the needs of science and the society. I am confident that this centre will take up various research studies on the wildlife of Gujarat; and our research studies will become instrumental in the sustainable development of the state. I urge the national and international research organizations and individuals to join us as a collaborator and become a partner of the successful journey of this centre towards the excellence.
Dr. Nishith Dharaiya
Director
Message from Director
It is a matter of pride and pleasure for me to be appointed as the first director of this centre at BKNM University in the forest city of Gujarat, Junagadh. Gujarat is known for its ecosystem diversity from the longest coastline to the vast desert, from dry-deciduous forests to the moist forests; and these ecosystems harbours a variety of wildlife species including some endemic plants and animals. It is very important to initiate the science-based conservation of these species to cop up with changing climate, land use pattern and rapid development. This centre is established with the goal to conduct scientific research, which can assist the policy makers to undertake development project, cater the need of the academia to have a state-of-the-art institute for wildlife research and to provide a well skilled human resource to the society especially in the field of wildlife and conservation biology. As a director of this centre, I envision several long-term research studies, conservation actions and initiate the academic courses in the near future. I would also take the opportunity to invite all the conservation organizations, scientists, students and wildlife enthusiast to join this centre and contribute your expertise, knowledge and experience as we believe that the conservation science is a two-way street for gaining and giving the knowledge. I would also welcome your suggestions to strengthen this institution so that we can serve better to the mother nature and our society.
Advisory Council
To Be Declared Soon
The Director
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Dr Nishith Dharaiya
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| Email |
nadharaiya@bknmu.edu.in |
| Phone No |
(M) +91 9998981560 |
| View Profile |
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Nishith’s academic journey includes a master’s degree in Animal Sciences and a Ph.D. in Zoology from Saurashtra University, Rajkot. He furthered his studies in Conservation Biology and Leadership in Environmental Management at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in the USA. As a frontline trainer at the same institute, he conducts training programs in collaboration with the National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC. Currently he serves as a Co-Chair of the IUCN Sloth Bear Expert Team and is a member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA), USA. Additionally, he contributes to the Human-Bear Conflict Management Specialist Team of IUCN.
His scholarly research output comprises over 100 research papers published in national and international journals, along with contributions to several book chapters on conservation biology and wildlife management. His research is also recognized from various national and international organizations, including the Indo-US Science & Technology Forum, ITTO-Japan, Rufford’s Small Grants Foundation (UK), and Green Global Brigade (India).
Furthermore, the Chief Minister of Gujarat has appointed him to the executive council of GEER Foundation and the state board for wildlife. Nishith’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation through scientific research and effective communication is propelling the centre for wildlife and conservation studies toward the excellence. |
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Junior Research Assistant
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Bhagyshri V. Dangar
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| Email |
bhagyashreedangar31@gmail.com |
| Phone No |
(M) +91 |
| View Profile |
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| I am Bhagyashri V. Dangar, a Ph.D. scholar with an academic background in Botany. I am a member of the IUCN SSC Bryophyte Specialist Group, contributing to international efforts in plant conservation. I work across various disciplines including field-based biodiversity research, ecological studies, and molecular biology. I am passionate about exploring plant life and its interactions within ecosystems, with a commitment to conservation and sustainable research practices. |
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Junior Research Assistant
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Mayank Judal
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| Email |
judalmayank0073@gmail.com |
| Phone No |
(M) +91 95379 07762 |
| View Profile |
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| Mayank is a wildlife researcher specializing in avian ecology, with a focus on vultures and vertebrate scavengers. His work explores scavenger behavior, feeding dynamics, and their role in maintaining ecosystem health. He has field experience in bird surveys camera trapping and socio-ecological surveys. His perception studies examine local attitudes toward vultures and scavengers, helping bridge science and society. Through this combined approach, he aims to guide conservation strategies that sustain scavenger populations in India. |
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Technical Assistant
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Aarti Jethava
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| Email |
technicalassistant@bknmu.edu.in |
| Phone No |
(M) +91 81288 99237 |
| View Profile |
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| Aarti Jethava contributes to the Centre for Wildlife and Conservation Studies (CWCS), BKNM University through laboratory management, technical tasks, and digital outreach. She prepares and maintains scientific equipment, organizes practical sessions, manages research specimens, oversees the department’s social media platforms, and assists with administrative tasks to facilitate the smooth functioning of academic, research, and outreach programs. With a background in Zoology, she has a strong interest in animal diversity and habitat restoration, and is committed to advancing the department’s education, research, and conservation efforts. |
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Objectives
A state-of-the-art research Institute dedicated to science-based research and conservation studies along with offering several bridge courses with other PG courses. These are some of the identified objectives so far.
• Long term science-based conservation action projects
• Fundamental and applied research on wildlife (Flora and fauna)
• Student Internship Programme
• M.Sc. Dissertation Programme
• Customize Training & Workshops
• PhD in Wildlife Sciences
Areas of Research
• Mammalian Ecology and Behaviour
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Assessmen
• Wildlife Health
• Animal and Plant Taxonomy
• Endangered Species Recovery Programme
• Wildlife Forensic Investigation
• Management Plans & Working Plans for PAs
• Human- Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
• Wildlife Rescue
Current Projects
Facilities
• State-of-the-art facilities for research
• Well established RS & GIS lab
• Wet lab and dry lab for Wildlife and Conservation Genetics and Microbiology
• Collaboration with National and International institutes
• Student support after passing out academic counseling in the field of Wildlife Sciences
• Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Research
Publication
| 1 |
Research Articles |
Are Indian Foxes vulnerable in degraded habitat in North Gujarat? |
| 2 |
Research Articles |
Effect of temperature on the breeding activity of the free-ranging Indian rock python (Python molurus) in Gujarat, India |
| 3 |
Research Articles |
Winter activity pattern and behaviour of three sympatric felids at Kamala Nehru Zoological Garden, Ahmedabad |
| 4 |
Research Articles |
Insights on human-sloth bear conflict in and around eco-sensitive zone: Chhota Udepur, Gujarat, India |
| 5 |
Research Articles |
Factors influencing roost site preference of Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri, Psittacidae, Psittaciformes) in urban areas of north Gujarat, India |
| 6 |
Research Articles |
Perception and Attitude Toward Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus: Understanding the Tribal Communities from Central Gujarat, India, Coexistence with Bears |
| 7 |
Research Articles |
Ecological assessment of semi-arid wetlands in Patan district, Gujarat: Implications for migratory bird conservation and wetland management |
| 8 |
Research Articles |
New national and regional bryophyte records, 81 |
| 9 |
Research Articles |
Vernacular Names of the Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) in and around the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India, and their significance in Conservation |
| 10 |
Research Articles |
Initiative of Conservation Education Program: A Beginning in Rajasthan State of India |
| 11 |
Research Articles |
Urban Feeding in Sloth Bears of Mount Abu: An Emerging Challenge |
| 12 |
Popular Articles |
Can education and outreach help foster human-sloth bear co-existence? |
| 13 |
Popular Articles |
Sloth Bears and Asiatic Lions: Will They Ever Meet Again? |
| 14 |
Popular Articles |
Hypomelanism in sloth bear from Gujarat, India |
| 15 |
Popular Articles |
One More Step Towards Sloth Bear Conservation: Celebration of 2nd World Sloth Bear Day |
| 16 |
Popular Articles |
Comprehensive Report of World Bryophyte Day 9 September 2024 |
| 17 |
Popular Articles |
India’s National Bear Conservation Network: A United Approach to Protecting Four Bear Species |
Achivements
• 1. "Prakruti Sanrakshk Award" 2023- Nishith sir
• 2. IBA Prasident's Award 2024- Nishith sir
• 3. Appointed as a Member of IUCN SSC Bryophyte Specialist Group- Bhagyshree
• 4. Best Trainee - Advancing Conservation Research by Geo Spatial Techniques- Bhagyshree
• 5. Appointed as a Member of IUCN SSC Bear Specialist Group - Sloth Bear Expert Team- Vishal
• 6. Best Poster Presentation (3rd Rank) at International conference on Innovations in Life Sciences for Sustainable Development: Biodiversity, Environment, Health and Food Security- 2025-Vishal
• 7. Felicitation Award for Outstanding Contribution in Wildlife Conservation by Gujarat Forest Department - Nishith
Volunteering
Any wildlife enthusiast, nature explorer and conservation biologists can join us as a volunteer. We will contact you whenever we require your services and expertise in our ongoing research and conservation work. You can send your details to us and your willingness to join as volunteer by filling this form.
Apply Now
Internships
We offer Summer Internship (May–July) and Winter Internship (Dec–Feb) for students interested in wildlife research and conservation.Interns gain hands-on experience in data analysis, field methods, and report writing under expert guidance.
Apply for Winter Internship
Dissertation Programme
We offer a Dissertation Programme for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in science disciplines.
This programme provides an opportunity to carry out guided research projects, gain hands-on training in data analysis, and develop scientific writing skills.
Students will work under the mentorship of experienced researchers on topics related to wildlife, ecology, and conservation.
The programme is free of cost, and selected students may receive a stipend based on performance.
Dissertation Position at CWCS
Collaboration
We invite individual scientists, conservation organizations and institutions from all over the world to collaborate with us through signing a formal agreement of collaboration. For more details and getting the formal agreement copy for collaboration opportunities please mail to the director
Mail to The Director
