Publications
A people-centered approach to counter ecosystem degradation and support restoration
A people-centered approach is critical to countering ecosystem degradation and supporting restoration efforts, particularly in globally significant yet fragile ecosystems like the Sundarbans mangrove forest. This PhD thesis highlights that local perceptions of landscape values—such as material (e.g., fishing, medicinal plants) and non-material (e.g., aesthetic, spiritual)—shape place identity, attachment, and dependence among communities. It identifies overharvesting and mangrove loss as primary drivers of degradation, while strong patrolling emerges as a key restoration measure. Spatial analysis reveals that threats like extreme weather and economic pressures disproportionately affect forest-dependent groups, who exhibit higher engagement with landscape values. The study also links human-nature connections (HNCs) to successful restoration, drawing parallels between the Sundarbans and the European Union's Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR). These insights underscore the importance of integrating social-ecological dynamics into conservation strategies to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Can safer livelihood practices strengthen human-tiger coexistence in Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India?
Safer and energy-efficient livelihood practices, such as goat and poultry rearing and the adoption of improved cooking stoves (ICS), significantly reduce human-tiger negative interactions while increasing household income in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. A study across three villages found that forest visitation for fuelwood harvesting decreased by 70% per month and fuelwood harvesting by 30%, leading to a 46% reduction in annual human-tiger conflicts. Average household income rose by 20-25% monthly, indicating improved financial status. These findings suggest that community-based initiatives can strengthen social capacity for coexistence between humans and tigers, offering a scalable model for conservation efforts in densely populated biodiversity-rich areas like the Sundarban Tiger Reserve.
Habitat Ecology and Intraspecific Variations in Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801 (Reptilia: Archosauria: Eusuchia: Crocodylia: Crocodylidae) in Two Contrasting Estuarine Ecosystems of Eastern India
A comparative study of estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) populations in Bhitarkanika National Park and the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve reveals significant intraspecific variations shaped by habitat connectivity. The research, conducted during March-April 2026, identified 52 individuals across both sites, highlighting differences in population density, size distribution, trophic resources, and territorial behavior. Bhitarkanika's semi-isolated ecosystem exhibited higher competition due to restricted resources, whereas the Sundarbans' dynamic, marine-connected environment supported broader trophic niches and reduced conflict. These findings underscore the critical role of habitat connectivity in crocodilian ecology and conservation outcomes.
Overtourism in National Parks and Eco Destinations
Overtourism, combined with climate change pressures, is significantly threatening the ecological and social sustainability of biodiversity hotspots such as the Sundarbans National Park. Research reveals that while nature-based tourism has historically benefited economic development and environmental awareness, its unchecked growth now exceeds ecological boundaries, leading to habitat loss, pollution, and increased social pressure. Climate vulnerabilities, including rising sea levels and erratic weather patterns, further exacerbate these challenges. The study proposes sustainable solutions like community-based tourism, ecological zoning, and digital monitoring to mitigate these impacts and ensure long-term resilience for such fragile ecosystems.
Remembering Vinod Rishi, IFS (1946-2026)
Vinod Rishi, IFS (1946–2026), pioneered innovative conservation strategies that significantly advanced wildlife management in India's Sundarbans National Park and other protected areas. His most notable contribution was the introduction of a unique protective measure for Sundarban fishermen—wearing face masks on their backs—to mitigate tiger attacks, a solution rooted in his deep naturalist instincts and engineering background. Rishi also championed the use of satellite imagery for forest mapping, marking a groundbreaking approach to conservation monitoring in India. As a leader in the second generation of wildlife managers, he strengthened multiple protected areas, including Sundarban Tiger Reserve and Buxa Tiger Reserve, through his fieldwork and policy influence, leaving a lasting legacy in conservation history.
The silent threat: neglected wildlife diseases and the urgent need for a One Health action plan in Bangladesh
A critical gap in wildlife disease surveillance within Bangladesh's fragmented national institutions is threatening endangered species, destabilizing ecosystems, and elevating pandemic risk. Recent outbreaks, such as anthrax in Rangpur and bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Safari Park wildlife, highlight the undetected spillover of pathogens across species barriers, particularly in high-density human–livestock–wildlife interfaces like the Sundarbans National Park. The study underscores the urgent need for a One Health action plan, integrating veterinarians' roles in early detection, diagnosis, vaccination, and cross-species surveillance to ensure national security and biodiversity conservation.
Biosphere reserves of India and their key faunal species
India's biosphere reserves, including Sundarbans National Park and others, serve as critical habitats for numerous endangered and endemic faunal species. These protected areas, such as the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, are home to iconic species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, while regions like Nanda Devi support the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Musk Deer. The study highlights the ecological significance of these reserves in preserving unique biodiversity, including lesser-known species essential for maintaining ecological balance. Conservation efforts within these reserves are vital for safeguarding India's natural heritage and promoting long-term sustainability. The research underscores the importance of protecting these habitats to ensure the survival of key faunal species found nowhere else globally.
Endemic medicinal plants of eastern region needs promoting their cultivation and conservation
India's Eastern region, including West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, is identified as a critical repository of endemic medicinal plant diversity with significant ethnobotanical wealth. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of over 20 key species, such as Saraca asoca and Gloriosa superba, traditionally used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems for treating ailments like fever, skin diseases, and epilepsy. These plants thrive in unique ecological niches like the Eastern Ghats, Chotanagpur Plateau, and Sub-Himalayan Terai zones, with notable populations found in protected areas such as Simlipal and Sundarbans National Parks. The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable conservation strategies to address threats from habitat degradation, overharvesting, and climate change, while also promoting community-based initiatives and scientific validation of traditional knowledge. By integrating these species into cultivation systems, the study aims to foster biodiversity preservation and rural health security, positioning this region as a promising source for new drug discovery.
Exploring the heritage sustainability of the Sundarban landscape
A study on the Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, reveals that integrating socio-ecological conservation with heritage preservation can effectively address sustainability challenges, including those posed by climate change. The research demonstrates how local knowledge, cultural practices, and sustainable development strategies are interconnected in shaping the landscape's resilience. Through extensive qualitative inquiry—including interviews, group discussions, participatory observations, and transect walks—the study highlights the importance of recognizing the Sundarbans as a potential cultural or mixed heritage site to better preserve its exceptional ecological and cultural heritage.
Mangrove Flora and Fauna in Sundarbans and Their Significance in a Global Perspective
Sundarbans, the world's largest tidal mangrove ecosystem and a critical tiger habitat, faces severe threats from overexploitation, poaching, natural disasters, and climate change. A comprehensive study identifies 7,533 unique micro- and macro-lifeforms within its 9,630 km² area, marking it as an 'endangered' ecosystem under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems framework. The research combines literature surveys with longitudinal field investigations using multistage purposive sampling, engaging professionals, NGOs, forest officials, and local communities. It highlights the urgent need for concerted management efforts to restore mangrove ecosystems and conserve biodiversity while addressing the impacts of agriculture, hydrological changes, pollution, and climate change on its transitional zones.
Does Community Support in Moderating Roles Mitigate Short Comings in Rural Tourism Development?
Rural tourism's potential to boost local economies is significantly enhanced when combined with strong community support, according to a study focusing on the Sundarbans National Park. The research reveals that both hard services (like infrastructure) and soft services (such as hospitality) are critical drivers of destination competitiveness, but their positive effects are amplified when communities actively engage in tourism development. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with PLS-4 path analysis, the study analyzed survey data from domestic tourists to quantify how community support—through cooperation and hospitality—influences tourism outcomes. The findings underscore that fostering community involvement can mitigate shortcomings in rural tourism, offering actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance destination attractiveness.
Exploring the Rich Diverse: Freshwater Fish Diversity and Bionomics in the Sundarbans, India
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO-listed mangrove ecosystem spanning India and Bangladesh, harbors remarkable freshwater fish diversity, including 120 species. This review synthesizes existing data on fish bionomics—life history traits such as reproduction, growth, and migration—and their conservation status within the delta formed by the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna rivers. It highlights threats to sustainable fisheries, including habitat degradation and climate change, while emphasizing the ecological importance of mangroves in supporting fish biodiversity. The study also provides a foundational database for future research on life history parameters critical for conservation strategies.
Implementing Integrated Approaches to Preserve the Mangrove Ecosystem Services: A Study of Bangladesh Sundarbans
Despite conservation efforts, the Sundarbans mangrove forest—home to the endangered Bengal Tiger—shows only a 4% increase in tree cover while facing widespread degradation. This study evaluates integrated approaches, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods, and assesses their effectiveness alongside the roles of NGOs and development partners. Findings highlight vulnerabilities in protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and captive breeding centers, raising concerns about long-term species preservation. While local and international NGOs are actively engaged in conservation projects aimed at both ecosystem protection and community livelihood improvement, pragmatic challenges persist.
Annual Mangrove Vegetation Cover Changes (2014–2020) in Indian Sundarbans National Park Using Landsat 8 and Google Earth Engine
A six-year analysis of the Sundarbans National Park, using Landsat 8 satellite data and Google Earth Engine, revealed no significant overall change in mangrove vegetation cover between 2014 and 2020. However, coastal regions, particularly the southern end, experienced notable shifts due to land accretion and natural disturbances like cyclones. The study leveraged normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and its derivative (dNDVI) to quantify these changes, providing critical insights for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts in this ecologically vital mangrove ecosystem.
Conservation status of Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris in the earth’s only mangrove tigerland: A review of efforts and challenges
The Sundarbans, Earth's largest contiguous mangrove forest and the only mangrove tigerland, serves as the last stronghold for the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). A recent review highlights cautious optimism in its conservation status, with the tiger population remaining stable or slightly increasing over the past three censuses (2018–2022) in India, despite ongoing threats. The study attributes this stability to improved habitat management and a slowdown in mangrove degradation. Camera trap surveys estimate 214 tigers across both Indian and Bangladeshi Sundarbans, with Bangladesh's latest data pending announcement. This protected area, spanning 10,277 km², is a critical tiger conservation landscape but faces persistent natural and anthropogenic challenges.
Prelude: Saving the national animal of India and Nepal
The Gangetic Dolphin, an endangered indicator species for river ecosystem health, faces severe threats from habitat degradation, pollution, and human activities. Conservation efforts across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan aim to protect the species through protected areas, regulatory measures, and community-based programs. The study highlights the need for enhanced research using emerging technologies like satellite tagging, acoustic monitoring, and AI to better understand dolphin ecology and inform conservation strategies. A proposed workshop, 'Uniting for the Survival of the South Asian River Dolphin,' seeks to consolidate regional efforts and innovate solutions for this critically endangered species.
A three decade assessment of forest cover changes in Nijhum dwip national park using remote sensing and GIS
Over three decades, the Nijhum Dwip National Park (NDNP), part of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, experienced significant forest cover loss, with more than 42% (1781 ha) deforested between 1990 and 2011. Specifically, nearly 1235 ha and over 856 ha disappeared from an initial 4217.5 ha in 1990 to 2982.5 ha in 2001 and 2126.16 ha in 2011. However, a slight recovery of 310 ha was recorded between 2011 and 2020. The study used Landsat images (1990, 2001, 2011, 2020) with maximum likelihood classification to assess changes, finding that NDVI outperformed SAVI in detecting forest cover shifts. This research highlights the need for continuous monitoring and informed decision-making to protect this critical mangrove ecosystem.
Mangrove Forest and Plantation
Mangroves, once dismissed as wastelands, are now recognized for their critical ecological services, including coastal stabilization and biodiversity support. A study highlights a significant rejuvenation of mangrove forests globally, with India's mangrove cover expanding from 427 km² in 1987 to 1140 km² by 2017—a more than two-and-a-half-fold increase. This growth is particularly notable in Gujarat, where education and awareness campaigns, supported by organizations like the GEER Foundation and IUCN, have driven conservation success despite limited species diversity (14 species). The Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 6000 km² across India and Bangladesh, remains the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. Detailed mapping of mangroves and potential expansion areas has further informed conservation strategies.
Ecosystem service assessment of selected wetlands of Kolkata and the Indian Gangetic Delta: multi-beneficial systems under differentiated management stress
A comprehensive ecosystem service assessment of wetlands in the Sundarbans National Park and East Kolkata Wetlands reveals that 32 out of 36 possible ecosystem services are produced across these sites, with significant variations attributed to differing wetland characteristics and management regimes. The study highlights critical gaps in existing literature, particularly in recognizing provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, and demonstrates the importance of systemic approaches like the Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES) in capturing interdependent service production. This method not only supports the protection of ecological character but also challenges the underrepresentation of peri-urban wetlands' values, offering a practical framework for informed decision-making.
Resident’s Awareness Towards Sustainable Tourism for Ecotourism Destination in Sundarban Forest, Bangladesh
Sustainable tourism, when paired with public awareness, can offer economic and long-term conservation benefits for the Sundarbans, the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. This study highlights that well-planned ecotourism, combined with resident education, could mitigate threats like deforestation, overfishing, and environmental degradation while supporting local communities and regional economies. The research focuses on addressing the growing human pressure on the Sundarbans, where illegal logging, overfishing, and chemical-intensive agriculture pose significant risks to biodiversity. By analyzing current practices and their impacts, the study suggests that increased awareness among residents—particularly regarding sustainable fishing methods, reduced pesticide use, and waste management—could help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.
Tourism governance in protected areas: investigating the application of the adaptive co-management approach
Adaptive co-management (ACM) significantly enhances governance in protected areas, particularly through its adaptive elements that foster iterative learning among stakeholders. A study on Bangladesh's Lawachara National Park and Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary found that ACM improved key governance principles such as participation, accountability, transparency, power dynamics, rule of law, and social learning. The approach successfully broadened stakeholder engagement and collaboration, with the adaptive component proving most impactful by enabling behavior change and attitude shifts toward conservation. This research provides empirical evidence for developing countries on how ACM can sustainably improve governance in nature-based tourism destinations.
Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism as Motors for Development
Sustainable tourism can drive development while preserving biodiversity, as demonstrated by global case studies. The research highlights successful models such as community-based ecotourism in the Amazon and eco-lodges that integrate conservation with economic growth. It explores innovative approaches like integrated circuits for sustainable tourism planning, eco-retrofits in vulnerable regions (e.g., Sundarbans), and stakeholder perspectives in protected areas (e.g., Masai Mara). Key challenges—such as balancing luxury with sustainability or addressing rural ethnic tourism development—are also addressed. The study combines qualitative analyses of diverse projects, including private-communal partnerships, restoration preferences, and volunteer tourism models, to derive actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Status of the Mammal Fauna in Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal - India
A one-year study conducted from January to December 2010 in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, revealed significant shrinkage of mangrove swamp habitat and a decline in mammal species due to extensive anthropogenic and natural threats. The research, involving literature review, questionnaires, and ground surveys with frontline forest department staff, recorded 49 extant mammal species, including four globally endangered, four vulnerable, and two near-threatened species according to the IUCN Red List. Alarmingly, 15 species were found only rarely, while six species had become extinct in the last two centuries. Tiger sightings were more frequent in Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and buffer areas than in the core Sundarban National Park. The study underscores the urgent need for high-priority wildlife conservation, proper implementation of tiger action plans, infrastructural development, and effective joint forest management to preserve this unique ecosystem.
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