Episode 51: Conserving India’s Wildlife through Nature Writing with Neha Sinha

The Think Wildlife Podcast

Neha Sinha was once an environmental reporter at The Indian Express. However, she is now one of India’s leading conservationists. Throughout her career, Neha has utilized her aptitude for communication and advocacy to improve policy and safeguard India’s precious wildlife. One of the most prominent campaigns Neha has supported is the Amur Falcon Campaign in Nagaland and Manipur.

During their annual winter migration from Siberia to southern Africa, over a million birds roost in Nagaland between November and December. The Doyang Reservoir formed the single largest congregation of the species and is referred to as the Amur Falcon Capital. In 2012, the indiscriminate massacre of Amur Falcons in the Pangti villages in Nagaland’s Wokha District. Over 100,000 falcons were hunted annually and sold to local markets in Nagaland and Assam. Hunters could earn up to $500 within five weeks from this lucrative trade.

Fortunately, over a decade later, a revolution has occurred in the region. Much like the hornbills of Nagaland, the Amur falcons are passionately protected by local communities, which once hunted them. In this interview, Neha remembers one of India’s greatest conservation miracles.

Neha also elaborates on her work in policy and advocacy. This includes the National Biodiversity Targets for the Government of India and the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2022. We also discuss about the State of India’s birds and the importance of nature writing for conservation. Lastly, Neha also talks about her book 'Wild and Wilful', which explores the story of 15 iconic Indian species. This includes the Bengal Tiger, King Cobra, elephants, leopards, magarmach, and many more. All views in this podcast are personal.

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