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Advisory Council
| Chairman | The Vice Chancellor, BKNM University |  |
| Members | Dr Dhaval Gadhvi | |
| Dr C N Bhuva | ||
| Dr Puneel Gajjar | ||
| Shri Dhirubhai Purohit | ||
| Dr Rajesh Raviya | ||
| Member secretary, Asiatic Lion Protection Society | ||
| DCF Wildlife Division, Sasan Gir | ||
| DCF Junagadh Forest Division, Junagadh | ||
| Member of Executive Council of University | ||
| Member Secretary | Director, Centre for Wildlife and Conservation Studies | |
Staff
The Director | |
|---|---|
Dr Nishith Dharaiya | |
| Email :- | nadharaiya@bknmu.edu.in |
| Phone No | (M) 91 9998981560 |
| View Profile | |
| Nishith’s academic journey includes a master’s degree in Animal Sciences and a Ph.D. in Zoology from Saurashtra University, Rajkot. He furthered his studies in Conservation Biology and Leadership in Environmental Management at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in the USA. As a frontline trainer at the same institute, he conducts training programs in collaboration with the National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC. Currently he serves as a Co-Chair of the IUCN Sloth Bear Expert Team and is a member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA), USA. Additionally, he contributes to the Human-Bear Conflict Management Specialist Team of IUCN. His scholarly research output comprises over 100 research papers published in national and international journals, along with contributions to several book chapters on conservation biology and wildlife management. His research is also recognized from various national and international organizations, including the Indo-US Science & Technology Forum, ITTO-Japan, Rufford’s Small Grants Foundation (UK), and Green Global Brigade (India). Furthermore, the Chief Minister of Gujarat has appointed him to the executive council of GEER Foundation and the state board for wildlife. Nishith’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation through scientific research and effective communication is propelling the centre for wildlife and conservation studies toward the excellence. | |
Junior Research Assistant (J.R.A.) | |
|---|---|
Bhagyshri V. Dangar | |
| Email :- | bhagyashreedangar3@gmail.com |
| Phone no. | (M)- |
| View Profile | |
| I am Bhagyashri V. Dangar, a Ph.D. scholar with an academic background in Botany. I am a member of the IUCN SSC Bryophyte Specialist Group, contributing to international efforts in plant conservation. I work across various disciplines including field-based biodiversity research, ecological studies, and molecular biology. I am passionate about exploring plant life and its interactions within ecosystems, with a commitment to conservation and sustainable research practices. | |
Technical Assistant (T.A.) | |
|---|---|
Aarti Jethava | |
| Email :- | jethavaarti9@gmail.com |
| Phone no. | (M) 91 8128899237 |
| View Profile | |
| Aarti Jethava contributes to the Centre for Wildlife and Conservation Studies (CWCS), BKNM University through laboratory management, technical tasks, and digital outreach. She prepares and maintains scientific equipment, organizes practical sessions, manages research specimens, oversees the department’s social media platforms, and assists with administrative tasks to facilitate the smooth functioning of academic, research, and outreach programs. With a background in Zoology, she has a strong interest in animal diversity and habitat restoration, and is committed to advancing the department’s education, research, and conservation efforts. | |
Research Associate (R.A.) | |
|---|---|
Dr. Utkarsh Prajapati | |
| Email :- | Utkarsh41995@gmail.com |
| Phone no. | (M) 91 7727809898 |
| View Profile | |
| As a passionate wildlife biologist, I am devoted to studying sloth bears and other mammals across the semi-arid landscape, with a special focus on the Aravalli mountain range of Rajasthan. My research is centered around understanding the ecological dynamics of sloth bear populations within this region. I am committed to advancing the cause of sloth bear conservation in the Aravalli landscapes and beyond. Through collaborative research efforts, community engagement, and advocacy, I aspire to make tangible contributions towards securing a sustainable future for these iconic creatures and their habitats | |
Junior Research Fellow (J.R.F.) | |
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Anikethan Hathwar | |
| Email :- | anikethanhathwar@gmail.com |
| Phone no. | (M) 91 95914 88507 |
| View Profile | |
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Junior Research Fellow (J.R.F.) | |
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Manesh Kumar | |
| Email :- | manvasht@gmail.com |
| Phone no. | (M) 91 87088 95415 |
| View Profile | |
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