A Voice for Conservation: Protecting India's Wildlife
Photography is my lens, but advocacy is my purpose. From urban wetlands in Mumbai to fragile mountain habitats, I work to protect the wild places and species that cannot speak for themselves.
This video shows the devastating impact of water hyacinth on Juhu's lake, with before and after satellite imagery. It's a stark visual of an ecosystem in crisis.
A personal appeal from me to help save the Juhu Pawan Hans lake. This habitat is critical for countless birds and fish, and it's disappearing before our eyes.
My fight to save the lake was featured in the Mid-day newspaper. Spreading awareness is a crucial step in protecting our urban wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them.
A Red Panda, an endangered species and the state animal of Sikkim. This is why I advocate against zoos; these beautiful, shy animals belong in the wild, not in enclosures.
A throwback to 2009, when I was helping a lost Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchling find its way to the ocean. Conservation work has been a part of my life for a long time.
A mother Sloth Bear carrying her cubs on her back in Tadoba. These animals are classified as Vulnerable, making sightings like this incredibly special and important to protect.
An adorable and fluffy Nilgiri Tahr kid. This species is Endangered, and protecting their fragile mountain habitat is essential for their survival.
About this collection
My conservation work is deeply personal and rooted in the reality of our changing environment. Take the lake inside Juhu's Pawan Hans airport; what you see in these images is an ecosystem struggling under the weight of water hyacinth and pollution. When I advocate for these habitats, it comes from years of field observation and direct experience dealing with local authorities. This isn't just about documenting nature, it is about identifying the specific ecological triggers that allow our local biodiversity to thrive or collapse.
Beyond the Lens: A Commitment to the Wild
Photography is how I document the world, but conservation is how I fight for it. My approach is grounded in field science and a deep, empathetic connection to the species I encounter. Whether I am tracking leopards in Jhalana or documenting the Red Panda in Sikkim, I focus on the 'why' behind the beauty.
My Approach to Environmental Activism
- Habitat Restoration: As seen with my ongoing work on Juhu’s urban wetlands, I don’t just observe; I push for policy change. From working with the BMC to mobilizing local voices, I believe we must actively manage our urban green spaces.
- Species-Specific Advocacy: I focus on understanding the specific needs of vulnerable species like the Sloth Bear and the Nilgiri Tahr. Understanding their behavior helps us craft better protection strategies.
- Ethical Wildlife Tourism: I advocate for responsible interaction. I openly challenge practices like keeping endangered animals in zoos, because I believe these shy, intelligent creatures belong in the wild.
Why Conservation Matters Now
We are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate. When I document a Striped Hyena in the Bhigwan Grasslands or a sea turtle hatchling in Dive Agar, I am archiving a piece of our natural heritage that might not be there tomorrow. My goal is to bridge the gap between people and the wild, helping you see that every backyard, lake, and forest patch is part of a larger, interconnected web of life that needs our protection.
If you want to understand the conservation status of a region or learn how to engage in local ecological efforts, let's connect. I am always looking for others who want to be part of the solution.
Saloni Tirodkar
I'm Saloni. I’ve spent years following everything from Ranthambore’s tigers to the birds in my own backyard. My home is the forest, and I’m here to help you understand the wild world and the urgent need to protect it.
Let's talk about the wild.
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