Webinar Details
Title: The Dangs: Gujarat’s Hidden Gateway to the Sahyadris
Date: 27 March 2026
Time: 7:30 PM (IST)
Platform: Live on Zoom
Speaker: Aditya Roy
Short Description:
The Dangs is a forested landscape at the northern edge of the Sahyadris (Western Ghats), where rich biodiversity, tribal cultural heritage, and community-rooted conservation converge. From endangered vultures and rare forest birds to teak–bamboo forests and river valleys, this webinar explores how science-led conservation and immersive, low-impact travel can together shape meaningful nature experiences in one of western India’s most ecologically significant yet lesser-known regions.
About the Speaker
Aditya Roy is a wildlife biologist and conservation practitioner with over twelve years of experience in field ecology, species research, and experiential nature travel across western and central India.
His conservation journey began through birdwatching programmes at the Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre in Ahmedabad. What began as curiosity soon evolved into a deep commitment to avian ecology, especially during a critical period when India’s vulture populations were facing dramatic declines.
Aditya has worked extensively on vulture research and conservation across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, contributing to breeding colony surveys and landscape-level initiatives with the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bombay Natural History Society. His doctoral research, currently in its final stages, focuses on vulture ecology and conservation dynamics in central Gujarat, examining species recovery within broader socio-ecological systems.
Why You Should Attend?
- Explore a Hidden Biodiversity Landscape
- Discover why the Dangs — Gujarat’s gateway to the Western Ghats — is ecologically significant yet relatively unknown.
- Gain Insights from Active Field Research
- Learn about real-time vulture conservation work connected with the Wildlife Institute of India and the Bombay Natural History Society.
- Understand Rare & Endemic Species
- Explore the story of the Forest Owlet and other forest specialists that define the region’s conservation importance.
- Discover Responsible, Immersive Travel Models
- See how Dang Forest Retreat integrates conservation, community engagement, and experiential nature travel.
Wildlife & Birdlife Highlights
The Dangs support over 200 species of birds, along with diverse mammals and forest fauna.
Notable Bird Species:
Forest Owlet · Malabar Trogon · Crested Serpent Eagle · Heart-spotted Woodpecker · Indian Pitta · Grey Junglefowl
A major highlight for ornithologists is the Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) — an endangered Indian endemic once believed extinct for over a century before its rediscovery. The Dangs remain one of the few landscapes where this elusive, diurnal owl can be encountered.
Raptors & Vultures:
White-rumped Vulture · Indian Vulture · Crested Hawk-Eagle · Changeable Hawk-Eagle
The region plays an important role in vulture conservation within western India, aligning closely with Aditya’s long-term research focus.
Event Venue
Online
INR 0.00
