Sanjay Gubbi

Sanjay Gubbi is a conservation biologist based in Karnataka, India.^[1][2] His work focuses on the conservation of large carnivores like tigers and leopards, working on applied aspects and understanding their population biology, proposing conservation policies for their protection, and working to minimize human-wildlife conflict.^[3][4][5] He currently works as a scientist with Nature Conservation Foundation, a Mysore based NGO.^[6]

In 2011, Gubbi received the Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award and was recognized by the Wildlife Conservation Society.^[7] He was also on the ‘25 Leaders of Tomorrow’ list released by Times of India in August 2012 on the eve of India’s 65th year of independence. In 2017 he was conferred with the Whitley Award, popularly called the Green Oscars for his contribution towards the landscape-scale conservation of tigers and other wildlife.^{[8][9][10][11][12]} In 2019 he was awarded The Co-Existence Award by the Elephant Family, UK for his work on wildlife conservation in India, which was presented by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.^[13]

Some of his most notable work, along with his team, includes working with the government to expand protected areas in Karnataka that has helped protect several wildlife species and habitats.^[14][15] To date, Gubbi has succeeded in adding nearly 3,000 km2 (~745,000 acres) of forested land to the protected area network. This expansion of protected areas in Karnataka has connected 23 protected areas and corridors in the Western Ghats, perhaps marking this as a first of its kind initiative after the 1970s when most protected areas were notified in the country.

Based on his proposal and work new protected areas including Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary (906 sq.km.), Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary^[16][17][18] (148 sq.km.) and Rangayyanadurga Wildlife Sanctuary^[19] (77 sq.km.) among others were notified by the government.^[20]

Gubbi has also worked with the government on initiatives to reduce the effects of fragmentation on tiger habitats including the closure of vehicular traffic at night in Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves, rerouting highways to outside the tiger reserves,^[21] providing alternative roads, stoppage and removal of ill-planned developmental projects from key wildlife habitats,^[22][23] and other similar activities. His work also includes improving social security measures for the frontline staff of the forest department and those affected by human-wildlife conflict.

He is the author of the book titled Second Nature: Saving Tiger Landscapes in the Twenty-First Century which has been hailed as a must-read guide for future conservationists.^[24] His books in Kannada include Shaalege Banda Chirate Mattu Itara Kathegalu^[25][26] and Vanyajeevigala Jaadu Hididu^[27]