Interview Summary
Abstract: R J Ranjit Daniels reflects on his professional experiences in relation to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, stating that the Act played a pivotal role in unifying conservation efforts across India. However, he says, gaps persist in its implementation, particularly in protecting lesser-known species and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.
He cites success stories that abound, including the revival of charismatic species like the tiger, lion, rhino and elephant, and lesser-known species like Nilgiri tahr and mugger crocodile. At the same time, he highlights that neglected groups such as wetland and migratory birds require more attention. The bias towards charismatic species in conservation efforts has skewed priorities, he says, neglecting less visible but equally important biodiversity.
Integration of various conservation related legislations is deemed necessary by Daniels to address conflicts and involve local communities effectively. Suggestions are given for amending the Wild Life (Protection) Act to address human-animal conflict and invasive species, and making wildlife research more accessible. Valuing biodiversity and traditional knowledge is emphasised, acknowledging the dependence of local people on biodiversity for livelihoods.
Daniels advocates for involving citizens in conservation through citizen science, alongside addressing conservation issues like plastic waste and habitat restoration.
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:26) RJ Ranjit Daniels’ engagement with the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972
(00:06:09) Care Earth Trust’s work
(00:11:53) Success in conserving certain species while not being able to conserve some others and gaps regarding environmental legislation
(00:19:41) Gaps in India’s conservation priorities and the bias towards charismatic species
(00:26:41) Man and the Biosphere Programme, access and benefit-sharing, people as part of conservation and a desire for inclusivity in the future of conservation
(00:37:54) Integrating conservation acts to address conflicts and the importance of habitat restoration
(00:41:52) Need for Wildlife Board to have more autonomy for biodiversity conservation
(00:46:04) Wild Life (Protection) Act amendments for human-animal conflict and invasive alien species
(00:50:34) Making wildlife research more accessible and affordable in India
(00:56:37) Managing protected areas for research priorities and conservation
(01:02:13) Updating India’s wildlife protection schedules for more accurate species listings
(01:07:41) Limitations of market-driven conservation valuation methods and valuing biodiversity and traditional knowledge in conservation efforts
(01:17:50) Daniels’ childhood experiences with wildlife and sustainably addressing local people’s livelihoods
(01:22:52) Involving local people in conservation efforts through citizen science: an “ecosystem approach”
(01:32:08) Issues of worry: plastic waste, blindly planting trees and not enough importance given to habitat restoration
(01:37:02) Winding up the session
Dates
- Creation: 2022-07-28
Creator
- From the File: RJ Ranjit Daniels (Interviewee, Person)
- From the File: Sridhar, Hari (Interviewer, Person)
- From the File: Preeti Shree Venkatram (Processing Archivist, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Level of Access: Open/Online
Biography
R J Ranjit Daniels was born in 1959 in Nagercoil in the southern Western Ghats. He developed a passion for raising pets, nature watching and animal drawing (particularly birds), encouraged by his parents.
He is an agriculture graduate from Tamil Nadu Agriculture University and he earned his PhD in Ecology from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), studying birds in the Western Ghats. He went on to pursue post-doctoral research, also from IISc, on amphibians in the Western Ghats.
In 1992, Daniels moved to Chennai and held various roles, including Research Scientist at the Madras Crocodile Bank and Honorary Secretary at the Chennai Snake Park. He also served as Principal Scientific Officer and Chair at the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.
In 2000, he founded Care Earth Trust, dedicated to biodiversity research and training, and assumed the role of Director.
Daniels has served on the editorial and peer-review committee of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Biodiversity Assessment. Recognised for his bird conservation efforts, he became a Fellow of the International Ornithologists Union in 2002. He has also shared his expertise as visiting or guest faculty at institutions like the Wildlife Institute of India and National Centre for Biological Sciences.
Over the course of his career, Daniels has authored over 50 peer-reviewed papers and over 12 books focussing on ecology and conservation.
Extent
98 Minutes
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Archives at NCBS Repository
National Centre for Biological Sciences - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Bangalore Karnataka 560065 India
+9180 6717 6010
+9180 6717 6011
archives@ncbs.res.in