Santosh Thakur Joins League of Conservation Champions, Receives Himachal Environment Leadership Award
SHIMLA: In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh's conservation community, Santosh Thakur, a noted wildlife conservationist and forest officer, has been conferred the prestigious Himachal Pradesh Environment Leadership Award 2025–26 in the Individual Category.
The award was presented by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the occasion of World Environment Day, recognising Thakur's exceptional contribution to biodiversity conservation, bird research, environmental education and community-led conservation efforts across the state.
Currently serving as Block Forest Officer at Rakchham in Kinnaur district, Thakur has devoted nearly two decades to wildlife conservation and ecological monitoring.
A certified bird ringer and regional coordinator with Bird Count India, he has documented more than 500 bird species across Himachal Pradesh and contributed over 750 bird checklists to citizen-science platforms, creating a valuable database for conservation research.
His work in the ecologically fragile landscapes of Kinnaur has led to the documentation of more than 200 bird species, including several first district records.
He has also contributed to major conservation publications and played a key role in organising large-scale bird monitoring programmes such as the Great Backyard Bird Count, Global Big Day and Himalayan Bird Count.
Beyond avian conservation, Thakur has actively worked on snow leopard conservation, biodiversity monitoring, wildlife census operations and reducing human-wildlife conflict in remote Himalayan regions.
As a founding member of Wildlifers of HP, a network of more than 650 conservation enthusiasts, he has inspired hundreds of students, young naturalists and local communities to participate in protecting the state's rich natural heritage.
The award places Thakur among a select few conservation champions whose fieldwork, scientific documentation and public outreach have made a lasting impact on Himachal Pradesh's conservation landscape.
Accepting the honour with characteristic humility, Thakur said, "I am deeply honoured by this recognition. This award is not just mine but belongs to every forest frontline worker, researcher, birdwatcher and community member who has contributed to conservation efforts across Himachal Pradesh.
While we have made significant progress in understanding and protecting our biodiversity, much more remains to be done. Climate change, habitat degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources continue to pose serious challenges.
This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue working for the conservation of our fragile Himalayan ecosystems and inspire more people, especially the youth, to join this mission."
Forest officials, conservationists, bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers from across the state have congratulated Thakur, describing the award as a fitting recognition of a lifetime devoted to safeguarding the natural wealth of the Himalayas.
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