Assam’s Conservation Scientist Bibhab Talukdar Honored with IUCN’s Harry Messel Award for Leadership in Conservation

Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a renowned conservation scientist from Assam, has been awarded the prestigious 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 at the 5th IUCN SSC Leaders’ Meeting in Abu Dhabi, where around 300 conservation experts gathered to address the urgent challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Talukdar was honored for his significant contributions to species conservation, both on the ground and through his leadership within the SSC. Having been associated with the IUCN SSC since 1991, he has led numerous initiatives for conserving species, including his role as Chair of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group, a position he has held since 2008.

Key Contributions to Rhino Conservation

Dr. Talukdar’s pioneering work has focused on the conservation of Asian rhinos. He has organized three critical meetings of the Asian Rhino Range States:

1. First Meeting (Indonesia): Held in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry to bolster conservation strategies across Asian rhino range states.
2. Second Meeting (India): Organized in New Delhi with India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change to foster cooperative conservation efforts.
3. Third Meeting (Nepal): Conducted at Chitwan National Park, Nepal, in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, leading to a joint declaration to secure the future of Asian rhino species.

Through these efforts, Talukdar has played a vital role in protecting Asian rhinos, which include the Greater One-Horned Rhino, Javan Rhino, and Sumatran Rhino, facilitating increased collaboration among countries.

Aaranyak: From a Small Nature Club to a Leading Conservation Organization

In 1989, Talukdar founded Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation organization in Northeast India. What began as a small nature club has grown into one of India’s leading conservation organizations, employing around 200 professionals and engaging in diverse projects with state forest departments and international partners. Aaranyak provides a platform for young researchers, conservation biologists, and educators, contributing to critical conservation projects throughout the region.

Other Major Contributions and Positions

• Indian Rhino Vision 2020: Talukdar assisted the Assam government 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.
• Global Conservation Influence: He has served on India’s National Board of Wildlife, the Project Elephant Steering Committee, and the Committee for Formulating the National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-2031. In addition, Indonesian agencies have sought his expertise for the conservation of critically endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos.
• Scientific Contributions: Dr. Talukdar has authored over 70 scientific papers, including two published in Science, and coordinated more than 60 conservation projects over the past 25 years. His work includes the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in the Eastern Himalayas, further cementing his legacy in biodiversity conservation.

The Harry Messel Award recognizes Talukdar’s lasting impact on global conservation efforts, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, and highlights the importance of dedicated leadership in addressing the biodiversity crisis.