AMU Faculty Member Leads Workshop on Cheetah Introduction and Wildlife Conservation in Bhuj
TNN News : Dr. Nazneen Zehra, Assistant Professor in the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), spearheaded a one-day workshop on “Wildlife Conservation and Cheetah Introduction in Banni Grassland of Kutch Landscape”, held in Bhuj, Gujarat. The workshop was organized by Dr. Zehra in collaboration with the Kutch Forest Department, Gujarat, as part of her ongoing academic engagement with field-level wildlife conservation efforts.
The event brought together more than 100 participants, including Range Forest Officers, foresters, forest guards, and researchers, and featured senior forest officials.
The workshop commenced with a presidential address by Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kutch Circle, who laid out the strategic priorities and challenges related to cheetah introduction in the Kutch landscape. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with academic institutions like AMU and stressed the need for preparing scientifically sound habitats in the Banni Grasslands.
Dr. Zehra delivered a comprehensive lecture during the workshop, addressing the significance of wildlife conservation with a special focus on cheetah reintroduction in arid regions. She emphasized long-term strategies such as non-invasive monitoring, adaptive management, and the integration of modern technologies in conservation practices. She also appreciated the dedication of frontline forest personnel and encouraged them to strengthen their capacities through training in advanced wildlife monitoring tools.
Under Dr. Zehra’s mentorship, AMU researchers Mr. Shahbaz Khan and Mr. Mirza Altaf Baig presented findings from their ongoing study on faunal diversity in the Chadva Rakhal Forest Site, Bhuj. Using camera traps, they demonstrated the mammalian richness of the region and the utility of non-invasive survey techniques. Mr. Baig also introduced mobile applications for field documentation and navigation, showing how digital tools can support conservation efforts on the ground. Mr. Intakhab, also from AMU, played a key role in managing workshop logistics, including participant coordination and kit distribution.
The event concluded with a panel discussion that included senior forest officials, AMU researchers, and field staff, resulting in a productive dialogue on collaborative conservation strategies. Certificates of participation and commemorative souvenirs were distributed to all attendees in recognition of their active engagement. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Parimal Patel, ACF, Banni.
