Conservation Photography: Documenting India's Wildlife Challenges
I believe photography is more than just capturing beauty. Here, I share the unseen, often harsh realities of human-wildlife interaction to spark respect and change.
"Speed thrills, but it also kills." A heartbreaking scene of a female Fan-throated Lizard, a victim of a speeding vehicle, her eggs scattered beside her. This is not just one life lost, but an entire generation.
A Hook-nosed Sea Snake, killed by fishermen out of fear and hung on a boat. This tragic sight highlights the urgent need for awareness about the role these animals play in our coastal ecosystems.
A non-venomous File Sea Snake, another victim of human fear and misunderstanding. Every life in the ocean matters, and these killings disrupt the delicate balance of the marine world.
A Bamboo Shark washed ashore, likely discarded as bycatch. This black and white image is a stark reminder of the impact of fishing on non-target species.
A beautiful grassland habitat, home to incredible wildlife, with factories and industries looming on its edges. This photo shows the constant pressure of development on our natural spaces.
An Indian Spectacled Cobra, photographed for Nag Panchami. While many worship these snakes, they are also killed out of fear. They don't need worship, just our respect and space.
About Conservation: A Frame for Change
Photography is a tool for advocacy, and my camera is often the only witness to the challenges wildlife faces in our urban spaces. When you see images like the fan-throated lizard or the sea snakes on this page, remember these are not staged or polished for aesthetics. I document these moments, from roadkill to habitat encroachment, because awareness is the first step toward changing how we share space with animals.
Behind the lens: A raw approach to conservation
Many photographers focus on the perfect pose, but my work focuses on the truth. Whether I am documenting the impact of speed on wildlife in the Western Ghats or highlighting the bycatch issues along Mumbai’s coastlines, the goal is always to start a conversation.
Why I document these moments:
- Evidence-based advocacy: Images of habitat loss near our cities are not just photos. They serve as documentation for NGOs and researchers trying to protect these lands.
- Breaking misconceptions: Take the cobra images. Many people kill these snakes out of fear. By photographing them in a respectful, non-threatening manner, I aim to shift the narrative from fear to coexistence.
- Educational transparency: I provide the context behind the photo because nature is not always beautiful. Sometimes, it is heartbreaking, like seeing a fan-throated lizard lost to traffic. Ignoring these realities doesn't help the wildlife; showing them does.
I work primarily in the field, often during odd hours to capture nocturnal behavior or to document local biodiversity before development changes the landscape entirely. If you are an organization or a nature enthusiast looking to document the state of a specific habitat or species, I bring both my camera and my 10+ years of rescue experience to the field to ensure we get the full story.
Karan Solanki
I am Karan. Wildlife photography for me is about bridging the gap between us and the natural world, even when the story is difficult. Whether I am rescuing snakes or documenting the impact of urban development, my goal is always to shift our collective mindset from fear to respect.
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