Vision
|| आत्मवत् सर्वभूतेषु यः पश्यति स पण्डितः ||
जो सब प्राणी को स्वयं की भाँति (आत्मवत्) देखता है वही पंडित है ।
The one who sees every creature of nature as his own (self-self) is the real scholar
Mission
To conserve the wildlife and natural resources through science-based research and to create the community of practice by enhancing capacity of conservation professionals
Objectives
- Conservation education and awareness
- Assisting policy makers and wildlife managers
- Capacity building through professional training and scientific gathering
- Wildlife and habitat research
- Implementing innovative conservation actions on ground
Directors
Dr. Nishith Dharaiya
Founder, Honorary Director of Research
nadharaiya@gmail.com
Nishith established the WCB Research Foundation with the aim of fostering a cadre of young researchers and building a community of practice for wildlife conservation through scientific research. Currently, he is a Director of the Centre of Excellence for Wildlife and Conservation Studies at BKNM University -Junagadh, Gujarat. He is also serving as a Co-Chair of Sloth Bear Expert Team and a member of the steering committee of IUCN Bear Specialist Group. His unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and effective communication is propelling WCB toward excellence.
Dr. Pratikkumar Desai
Co-Founder, Director of Operations
pratikdesai825@gmail.com
Dr. Pratikkumar Desai is Co-founder and Director of Operations at the WCB Research Foundation, leading wildlife research, field implementation, and conservation outreach. He completed his PhD, focusing on sloth bear habitat ecology and human-sloth bear conflict in non-protected landscapes. He has received research grants from the International Association for Bear Research & Mgmt.(USA) and CHCC, Colorado State University(USA), with instrument support from the Idea Wild® Foundation. Dr. Desai is an appointed member of the IUCN SSC Sloth Bear Expert Team and International Association for Bear Research & Mgmt.
Steering Committee
Dr Julia Bevins
Mr Sarthak Chaudhary
Ms Sakhi Dabhi
Dr Sagarika Damle
Dr Pratikkumar Desai
Dr Nishith Dharaiya
Dr Shivangi Mishra
Ms Nisha Prajapati
Ms Neelu Soni
Advisors
Mr Marcel Alaze
EEP Coordinator of Sloth bear, Allwetter Zoo Munster, Germany
Dr Julia Bevins
Wildlife Veterinarian, Alaska, USA
Dr Anthony Giordano
Founder and Director, SPECIES, USA
Mr Bhushan Pandya
Wildlife Photographer and Ex Member of State Board for Wildlife, Gujarat, India
Dr Rajesh Raviya
Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Junagadh
Dr Nuria Selva
Associate Professor, Polish Academy of Science, Krakow, Poland
Mr Thomas Sharp
Director of Research, Wildlife SOS, USA
Dr Hitesh Solanki
Professor & Head, Department of Botany, Gujarat University, Gujarat, India
Dr Vinod Soni
Retd. Professor, Saurashtra University, Gujarat, India
Dr Prachi Thatte
Coordinator, Coalition for Wildlife Corridor, WWF, India
Team WCB
Mr Sarthak Chaudhary
Ms Sakhi Dabhi
Mr Mayank Judal
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Ms Jessica Katara
Mr Vishal Patel
Ms Nisha Prajapati
Ms Suhani Savaliya
Mr Rashmin Savaliya
Ms Mansi Tripathi
Feedback From Our Trainees
I attended the WCBRF training course in 2021, gaining valuable insights into wildlife ecology and conservation. Exploring sloth bear and leopard habitats was exhilarating. Learning key conservation and monitoring techniques was enriching, and interacting with fellow participants was delightful. Grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
The WCB Foundation epitomizes excellence in the realm of wildlife conservation. Their remarkable endeavors concerning sloth bear conservation are underpinned by rigorous scientific research and the proficiency of their esteemed scientists. This prowess shines through in their training programs, where they adeptly transform mundane science sessions into engaging activities.
Attending three WCB Research Foundation programs left a profound impact. In Gir, I learned census methods, fieldwork, and scientific writing. In Polo Forest, diverse groups engaged in bird counts, earning me "Best Participant." Kodadha focused on management and bird ID, fostering lasting connections and skills.
Whenever I think of a Sloth bear first thing that comes to my mind is WCB. They have been conducting skill development training program that focuses on providing a great opportunity to learn, interact and make network. The thing I like the most is the design of their training programmes.
I'm grateful to the organizers for an insightful, engaging training session that balanced theory and practical knowledge. The materials provided were thorough, and the speakers clarified complex topics, enhancing my understanding of the delicate sloth bear habitat. I am committed to applying these principles in my future work.
The field-based training by WCBRF was truly enlightening, providing a deep understanding of wildlife conservation, with a focus on the endangered sloth bear. Professional execution and a supportive team made the experience enriching. I'm thankful for the knowledge gained and wholeheartedly endorse this training for wildlife enthusiasts.
WCB is consistently delivering high quality work, which is significantly contributing to the research success on the wildlife and its surroundings. It's an honour I was the part of the WCB training. Wish the team good luck!
Attending the "Tools of Conservation Research" workshop was enlightening, offering invaluable insights into strategies for assessing corridors and habitat suitability. The interactive sessions on R programming and Maxent software deepened comprehension, fostering enriched discussions among participants and experts. Overall, a highly informative and engaging experience, greatly enhancing conservation tools knowledge.
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