Executive Board
The Association is led by a dedicated Executive Committee, working towards strengthening alumni connections, supporting students, and contributing to wildlife conservation. The Executive Board comprises 11 Executive Committee members who actively oversee the association’s initiatives, ensuring meaningful engagement, resource mobilization, and the overall growth of our alumni network.
Additionally, the association is guided by a panel of 6 Advisory Council members, whose vast experience and expertise provide strategic direction and mentorship. Together, the committee and advisory council strive to foster collaboration, facilitate professional growth, and uphold the department’s legacy in the field of wildlife and its management.
Executive Committe Members
Honorary President
Prof. Vijaya Kumara
Dr. Vijaya Kumara is a distinguished professor and the Chairman of the Department of Wildlife and Management at Kuvempu University, Karnataka. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Kuvempu University, he has an extensive background in wildlife conservation, habitat ecology, and environmental pollution studies. His teaching and research focus on biodiversity conservation, protected area management, and ecological monitoring. He has published numerous research papers and books, including case studies on human-wildlife conflict. Over the years, he has guided multiple Ph.D. scholars and contributed significantly to field-based conservation initiatives. Dr. Vijaya Kumara is actively involved in training programs, workshops, and academic conferences, helping shape the next generation of wildlife professionals. His expertise extends to wetland ecology, wildlife census techniques, and applied conservation strategies.
President
Dr. Pramod A.F.
Dr. Pramod A.F. is a Lecturer in the Department of Wildlife and Management at Kuvempu University. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Management, along with an M.Sc. in the same field from Kuvempu University. His research primarily focuses on wetland ecology, bird diversity, and conservation strategies in the Western Ghats. Dr. Pramod has contributed to numerous research publications, including studies on wetland ecosystems, avian diversity, and large mammal encounters. He has supervised multiple M.Sc. students on projects ranging from species conservation to human-wildlife conflict. Additionally, he has actively participated in various national and international conferences, workshops, and biodiversity conservation programs. With a strong academic background and extensive field experience, Dr. Pramod plays a significant role in educating and mentoring students in the field of wildlife conservation and ecological research.
Vice President
Dr. Shrinivas K.R
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General Secretary
Mr. Rajesh Varma R
Rajesh Varma is a dedicated wildlife professional with a unique blend of expertise in conservation, field research, and data analytics. Having completed his M.Sc. in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University, he has worked extensively on biodiversity surveys, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and species identification. His experience spans both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including sea turtle conservation and scuba diving as a dive professional. Before transitioning fully into conservation, Rajesh had a successful career in IT, specializing in data analytics and project management. His analytical skills and technological expertise enhance his approach to wildlife research, allowing for data-driven conservation strategies. Additionally, he completed the Apprentice Field Guide and Trails Guide course in South Africa, equipping him with advanced skills in tracking, bushcraft, and ecosystem management. With leadership roles in academia, IT, and conservation initiatives, Rajesh aims to establish an organization focused on wildlife tracking and monitoring. Passionate about bridging research with practical conservation efforts, he continues to integrate his diverse skill set to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Joint Secretary
Mrs. Sowmya G.R
Sowmya G.R. is a Lecturer in the Department of Wildlife and Management at Kuvempu University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in wildlife research. She holds an M.Sc. in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University and has actively contributed to ecological research, with a focus on avifaunal diversity, mammalian feeding ecology, and human-wildlife interactions. Her research includes studies on woodpecker diversity, moth documentation in the Western Ghats, and the feeding ecology of the Malabar Giant Squirrel. She has presented papers at international conferences and has published articles in scientific journals. Additionally, Sowmya has attended numerous workshops and training programs on wildlife monitoring, bioacoustics, and biodiversity conservation. With expertise in birding, butterfly identification, and ecological documentation, she combines academic knowledge with field research. Passionate about conservation, Sowmya continues to contribute to wildlife studies while mentoring students in the field.
Treasurer
Ms. Roopa C
Roopa C. is a Lecturer in the Department of Wildlife and Management at Kuvempu University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in wildlife research. She holds an M.Sc. in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University and has extensive experience in biodiversity studies, avian ecology, and wildlife conservation. Her research has focused on avifaunal diversity, moth distribution, and primate behavior, including a study on the mating behavior of Lion-tailed Macaques at Mysore Zoo. She has also contributed to ecological research projects such as impact evaluations of conservation schemes and the preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) in Karnataka. Roopa has participated in multiple national and international conferences and has received training in wildlife field techniques, GIS applications, and ecological monitoring. With strong field expertise and analytical skills, she continues to contribute to conservation science while mentoring students in wildlife research and management.
Director
Dr. Raghavendra Gowda H.T
Dr. Raghavendra Gowda H.T. is a Lecturer in the Department of Wildlife and Management at Kuvempu University with extensive expertise in wetland ecology, avian diversity, and conservation biology. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University, specializing in the ecological studies of wetlands in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. With years of academic and research experience, Dr. Raghavendra has published multiple research papers in national and international journals, focusing on topics such as butterfly diversity, human-elephant conflict, and wetland ecosystem dynamics. He has also contributed to various conservation projects and has guided numerous student research dissertations on topics ranging from wildlife conflicts to species diversity assessments. Recognized for his contributions to wildlife science, he has received prestigious awards, including the Prof. Madhav Gadgil Best Young Scientist Award and the Rashtriya Nirman Ratan Puraskar Award. His work continues to play a significant role in advancing conservation efforts and mentoring the next generation of wildlife researchers.
Director
Dr. Harisha M.N
Dr. Harisha M.N. is a Lecturer in the Department of Wildlife and Management at Kuvempu University with extensive experience in wildlife research, conservation, and ecological studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University, specializing in avian ecology, sloth bear conservation, and biodiversity assessments. With over 12 years of teaching experience, Dr. Harisha has guided multiple research projects on topics such as wetland bird diversity, butterfly and moth distribution, and the conservation of threatened species. He has published numerous research papers in national and international journals, presented at conferences, and contributed to books on biodiversity conservation. Apart from academia, he has worked as a research director at the PRANA Trust and is actively involved in conservation efforts. He has participated in tiger censuses, large mammal surveys, and ecological monitoring programs across Karnataka. Recognized for his contributions, he has received multiple awards, including the Dr. Salim Ali Best Young Scientist Award for his research in wildlife management. Dr. Harisha continues to play a key role in advancing wildlife science and mentoring students in ecological research and conservation.
Director
Mr. Akhil V
Akhil V is a dedicated professional specializing in wildlife conservation and management. He holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University and currently serves as a Field Officer at Pharma Industries. Beyond his professional role, Akhil has a profound passion for wildlife and nature. He thrives on exploring forests and observing wildlife in its natural habitat. His career has allowed him to integrate his love for nature with his commitment to environmental preservation, and he continues to draw inspiration from the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Through his work and personal endeavors, Akhil aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and contribute to sustainable environmental practices. Whether conducting field research, managing wildlife populations, or working on biodiversity conservation projects, he is always eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to make a meaningful impact on conservation efforts.
Director
Mr. Naveen T.R
Naveen T. R. is a dedicated wildlife enthusiast with a strong passion for conservation. Though he pursued his graduation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), his deep interest in wildlife led him to complete a master's degree in Wildlife and Management. He possesses excellent leadership qualities and has actively contributed to various initiatives. As part of his academic journey, he conducted a project on flowering trees at Kuvempu University, showcasing his commitment to ecological research. Beyond academics, Naveen played a crucial role in helping his department achieve the runner-up position in kabaddi, demonstrating his team spirit and athleticism. Additionally, his disciplined nature and commitment to service were evident during his time in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where he earned the prestigious 'C' certificate while pursuing his bachelor's degree.
Director
Mr. Darshan H.R
Darshan H.R. is a dedicated wildlife professional with a strong academic background in forestry and wildlife management. He holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University and a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from the College of Forestry, Ponnampet. Currently, Darshan serves as a Biologist and Field Implementation Executive at Junglescapes Charitable Trust, working on ecological restoration initiatives in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. His expertise includes plant identification, GIS applications, and ecological monitoring, making him a valuable asset in conservation efforts. Passionate about wildlife and nature, he enjoys birdwatching, reading, and watching wildlife documentaries. With strong communication skills and a commitment to learning, he strives to contribute meaningfully to conservation and habitat restoration projects.
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Advisory Council Members
Dr. Harish Prakash
Harish Prakash is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Deemed to be University, located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He earned his Ph.D. from the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where he studied the foraging ecology of the lesser false vampire bat. He later pursued postdoctoral research in movement ecology. His lab focuses on understanding how organisms make day-to-day decisions in an rapidly changing environment. He is passionate about teaching Ecology, Animal Behavior, and Biodiversity Conservation through the lens of natural history observations.
Dr.Thammaiah C.K
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Ms. Kumuda K.B
Kumuda K. B. is an alumna of the Department of Wildlife Management at Kuvempu University, having completed her M.Sc. in 2019. The academic and field training she received at the department provided a strong foundation for her career in the environmental sector. She is currently working as a Research Associate at the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), Bangalore. Her professional journey has enabled her to contribute to a range of impactful projects across Karnataka, particularly in areas such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in mining-affected landscapes, mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict, promotion of sustainable agroforestry practices, and implementation of river rejuvenation programs. Through these roles, Kumuda has been actively engaged in bridging science, policy, and community participation to address pressing environmental challenges. She is deeply passionate about applying interdisciplinary approaches to promote ecological sustainability and human-wildlife coexistence. As a proud member of the alumni community of this distinguished department, she remains committed to contributing to its enduring legacy in wildlife research and conservation.
Mr. Keshavamurthy V.C
Keshavamurthy V C is a dedicated forestry and wildlife professional currently undergoing training for the Range Forest Officer (RFO) post with the Karnataka Forest Department. Prior to his selection, he served as an Assistant Professor at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, where he contributed to educating and mentoring future forestry professionals. He holds a B.Sc. in Forestry from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and an M.Sc. in Wildlife Management from Kuvempu University. His passion for wildlife conservation was sparked during his early years of graduation, leading him to actively participate in biodiversity research, wildlife surveys, and conservation initiatives. Keshavamurthy has extensive field experience, having volunteered and participated in numerous wildlife-related activities, including large mammal occupancy surveys, bird monitoring, butterfly documentation, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation programs. His work with organizations like WCS-India, ATREE, Karnataka Biodiversity Board, and the Karnataka Forest Department has helped in documenting and conserving critical habitats and species such as the Lion-Tailed Macaque and Olive Ridley Turtle. He has also been a resource person, conducting awareness programs, guest lectures, and training sessions for students, forest guards, and volunteers. His technical skills include GIS applications in wildlife research, biodiversity documentation, and conservation project management. With his strong academic background, extensive field expertise, and dedication to wildlife conservation, Keshavamurthy is committed to making meaningful contributions to forest and wildlife management in Karnataka.
Mr. Hitesh N.D
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Ms. Sinchana J
Sinchana is a postgraduate in Wildlife and Management from Kuvempu University, currently serving as an Education Officer at Shivamogga Zoo, Tyavarekoppa. Passionate about Nature Conservation education and outreach, she plays a key role in engaging visitors and raising awareness about biodiversity and animal welfare.