https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Remembering Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh: A Pioneer in Wildlife Conservation

Renowned conservationist Dr. Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh, pioneer in wildlife research and policy, passes, leaving lasting legacy.
Indian Masterminds Stories

The world of wildlife conservation bid farewell to one of its brightest stars on June 7th, 2024, as Dr. Asir Jawahar Thomas (AJT) Johnsingh passed away. His departure left an irreplaceable void, yet his legacy of dedication and innovation continues to inspire generations of conservationists.

His work has left an indelible mark on our understanding and preservation of nature. His research has focussed on the Asian elephant, Asiatic lion, goral, Himalayan ibex, Nilgiri tahr, Sloth bear, grizzed giant squirrel and Nilgiri langur.

Born on October 14, 1945, in the picturesque town of Nanguneri, nestled within Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli District, Johnsingh’s affinity for nature was evident from his early years. He embarked on his academic journey at Madras Christian College, Chennai, where his passion for wildlife and ecology began to bloom.

Johnsingh carved his niche in the realm of conservation as a pioneering vertebrate ecologist, becoming the first Indian scientist to delve into the study of free-ranging animals. His groundbreaking research on the elusive Dhole in Bandipur National Park marked a milestone, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of predator-prey relationships in India’s wilderness.

Young Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh

Following his academic pursuits, Johnsingh’s quest for knowledge led him to diverse landscapes, from the classrooms of Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, to the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. However, his heart remained tethered to his homeland, and in 1981, he returned to India to embark on a remarkable journey with the Bombay Natural History Society.

In 1985, Johnsingh found his true calling at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, where he assumed leadership roles that would shape the future of wildlife conservation in the country. As the head of the faculty of wildlife sciences and later as the esteemed Dean, his vision and expertise propelled the institute to the forefront of conservation research and education.

Throughout his illustrious career, Johnsingh’s contributions transcended academia, as he donned the mantle of an advisor to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, shaping policy frameworks that safeguarded India’s rich biodiversity. His literary prowess mirrored his passion for the wild, with seminal works like “On Jim Corbett’s Trail and Other Tales from Tree-tops” and “Field Days: A Naturalist’s Journey Through South and Southeast Asia,” becoming touchstones for aspiring conservationists.

Johnsingh’s accolades were as numerous as they were prestigious, culminating in the revered Padma Shri award and the coveted $100,000 ABN AMRO Award, which underscored his unparalleled dedication to the cause of wildlife preservation.

As the sun set on June 7th, 2024, Dr. Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh bid farewell to a world he had devoted his life to protecting. Yet, amidst the sorrow of his passing, his legacy stands as a beacon of hope, guiding future generations towards a future where humans and wildlife harmoniously coexist. In his honor, let us continue his noble crusade, ensuring that his vision of a wilder, more sustainable world endures for posterity.

He resided in Bangalore and served as Honorary Scientific Advisor for WWF-India.

The Wildlife Institute of India expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Dr. A.J.T. Johnsingh, a genuine pioneer in wildlife conservation.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
pvun and ntpc
Ashok Kumar Sehgal Takes Over as CEO of PVUNL; Set to Lead 2400 MW Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand
THDC-resized
THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) Commissions Second Unit of Tehri PSP, Boosts Total Capacity to 2,747 MW
cybercrime
UK: Fraudster Impersonates Senior IAS Officer R Meenakshi Sundaram on WhatsApp to Dupe Public & Officials
MP Growth Conclave
MP: Indore Set to Host MP Growth Conclave on July 11, 1,500+ Investors Expected
Maa Narmada Path
Green Transformation for Maa Narmada Parikrama Path: Over 7.5 Lakh Trees to Be Planted Across 16 Districts
V Anbukumar IAS
IAS V Anbukumar Appointed as Karnataka's New Chief Electoral Officer - Know More About Him
Karnataka-govt-announces-state-wide-close-down-for-14-days
Karnataka: 13 IAS Officers Transferred in Major Reshuffle, Zehera Naseem Appointed Regional Commissioner, Kalaburagi Division
Uttar Pradesh govt
Disobedience Has a Cost: UP Govt Suspends PCS Officer Arvind Kumar Singh, Inquiry Ordered - Know the Case Here
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-07 at 3.15
The Martial Artist IRS Officer Who Conquered North East India on a Cycle
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
IRS Sanjay Bahadur: The Officer With a Pen That Bites | Video Interview
Inderjit Singh Air India
Is Air India Carrying The Burden of Split Before Privatisation?
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Sushmitha and Ishwarya Ramanathan
Their Home Was Washed Away — Sushmitha & Ishwarya Built a Legacy Instead
Sushmitha and Ishwarya lost their home to the 2004 tsunami. But with books, belief, and each other, they...
IAS SHWETA BHARTI Bihar
From Wipro to Civil Services: How Bihar's IAS Shweta Bharti Juggled a BPSC Job While Preparing for UPSC
IAS Shweta Bharti, from rural Bihar, balanced a full-time job and UPSC prep with discipline, cracked...
IPS Deepak Meghani
Deepak Meghani, IPS: A Journey of Focus, Failure, and Quiet Discipline
A passionate writer, he has authored several books in Gujarati, ranging from exam strategy guides to...
Social Media
G S Roshni
Kerala’s Fearless Forest Officer G.S. Roshni Rescues 16-Foot King Cobra with Bare Hands, Garners Praise & Critique
Beat Forest Officer G.S. Roshni’s first-ever king cobra rescue goes viral, earning her the title of ‘Green...
Kaziranga Baby Elephant
Chotu the Baby Elephant Reunited with Mother in Kaziranga: Retired IFS Officer’s Post Goes Viral
A baby elephant's emotional reunion with its mother in Kaziranga, shared by retired IFS officer Susanta...
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu’s Visit to NADT Turns into a Wholesome Tribute to Legacy—and ‘Moolchandj
The Olympic champion shared nostalgic memories, met aspiring IRS officers, and sparked viral laughter...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
pvun and ntpc
Ashok Kumar Sehgal Takes Over as CEO of PVUNL; Set to Lead 2400 MW Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand
THDC-resized
THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) Commissions Second Unit of Tehri PSP, Boosts Total Capacity to 2,747 MW
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-07 at 3.15
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-03 at 13.33
Inderjit Singh Air India
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT