Renowned Indian Conservationist A J T Johnsingh Dies at 78

June 8, 2024

An important Indian wildlife scientist and environmentalist named Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh died in Bengaluru on June 7, 2024. He was 78 years old. His death is a big loss for India’s efforts to protect wildlife, especially since environmental efforts are already facing a lot of problems.

About his Early Life

Born in Nanguneri, Tamil Nadu, Johnsingh grew up near the Western Ghats, which are a great place for plants and animals to live. Both of his parents were teachers, so they took him outside and helped him develop an early interest in animals. The stories of Colonel Jim Corbett gave him more ideas and shaped his future career as a wildlife biologist.

About his Academic and Professional Milestones

Beginning in 1976 and ending in 1978, Johnsingh did important research on dholes in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve. In 1981, he went back to India after a short stay at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. This was the start of a long relationship with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and later the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun. At WII, he was very important in broadening the institute’s focus and helped set up several tiger areas, such as the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

Contributions and Legacy

Throughout his work, Johnsingh did a lot to help protect many species, such as the Asian elephant, the Asiatic lion, and many others. He helped bring attention to and fix problems like the Sariska mess, in which hunting killed off all the tigers in the area. He got a lot of praise and awards for his work, including the Padma Shri, which is India’s fourth-highest citizen award.

Impact on Conservation Policies and Practices

Johnsingh had an impact on conservation policies and practices that went beyond academic groups. He fought hard for scientific control of conflicts between people and animals and for the safe relocation of communities that lived in forests. His work is still an important part of India’s current conservation efforts and plans.

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