Guwahati: Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a renowned conservation scientist from Assam, has been awarded 'The Harry Messel Award' for Conservation Leadership by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The award was presented during the 5th IUCN SSC Leaders' Meeting taking place in Abu Dhabi, which has brought together around 300 conservation experts to address the pressing issues of biodiversity and climate change.
This recognition honors Talukdar's significant contributions to species conservation both in practical efforts and through his leadership role within the SSC. He has been actively involved with IUCN SSC since 1991 and took on the position of Chair of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group in 2008. Under his leadership, he facilitated three important meetings of the Asian Rhino States, aiming to enhance conservation efforts for the three species of Asian rhinos.
The first of these meetings occurred in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry. The second was held in New Delhi, India, alongside the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and the third took place in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, working with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation of the Nepalese government. These meetings culminated in a joint declaration among Asian Range States to ensure the future of these iconic species.
Dr. Talukdar is also the founder Secretary General and CEO of Aaranyak, a leading research-driven biodiversity conservation organization based in Northeast India. He established Aaranyak in 1989 with a group of college students passionate about conservation. Since its inception, the organization has grown from a local nature club into one of India's premier biodiversity conservation entities, employing around 200 people and serving as a career hub for many young researchers and conservation biologists working on various projects in collaboration with state forest departments.
In recognition of his consistent contributions to rhino conservation, the IUCN appointed him as Chair of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group in 2008, a remarkable achievement among Assamese conservationists. He has also been invited by Indonesian conservation bodies to assist with the management of critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos.
In addition, Dr. Talukdar served on the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife, Government of India, from July 2007 to May 2010, as well as on the Project Elephant Steering Committee from 2010 to 2012 and the committee that formulated the National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031. He played a vital role in implementing the Indian Rhino Vision 2020, which successfully translocated 22 wild rhinos from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaziranga National Park to Manas National Park between 2008 and 2022.
Throughout his career, Talukdar has published over 70 scientific papers and coordinated more than 60 projects in the last 25 years. He was also involved in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in the Eastern Himalayas between 2002 and 2004.
International Sloth Day: Ten Fascinating Facts About Endangered Sloths