From species research and climate resilience to community-led conservation, wildlife genetics and human-elephant coexistence, nearly forty-seven research and conservation action studies were presented during the two-day Aaranyak Research and Conservation Symposia (ARCS) 2026, organised by leading biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in Assam Forest School, Jalukbari, Guwahati recently.
Bringing together scientists, conservation practitioners, biologists, academicians and young researcher, the annual symposium underscored the growing role of interdisciplinary science in addressing some of the region’s most pressing conservation challenges.
The symposium served as a platform for showcasing evidence-based research, exchanging emerging ideas and fostering collaboration among researchers and practitioners working across Northeast India’s globally significant biodiversity landscapes.
Discussions throughout the event reinforced the importance of integrating science, technology, policy and community participation to strengthen conservation outcomes in a rapidly changing ecological and climatic landscape.
The symposium was graced by distinguished members of Aaranyak’s Research Advisory Board (RAB), chaired by Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and Executive Director of Aaranyak. Notable RAB members included internationally acclaimed primatologist Prof. Mewa Singh, ANRF Prime Minister Professor, Bangalore University; Prof. Sabyasachi Dasgupta, Assistant Professor of Tripura University; Dr. Probodh Borah, Director of Research, College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati; Prof. Arup Sarma of IIT Guwahati; Dr. Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam; Dr. Hilloljyoti Singha, Professor at the Bodoland University; and Dr. Ambika Aiyadurai, Associate Professor, IIT Gandhinagar. Their participation enriched scientific deliberations and provided valuable guidance and mentorship to researchers throughout the symposium.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, who emphasised the importance of scientific research in informing conservation policy and practice. The inaugural plenary lecture was delivered by renowned primatologist Prof. Mewa Singh who spoke on the topic “Research Based Wildlife Conservation and Management Perspectives in India”, that reflected his decades of pioneering work in animal behaviour and wildlife conservation while highlighting the indispensable role of rigorous scientific inquiry in addressing contemporary conservation challenges.
The second day featured a plenary address by Prof. Sabyasachi Dasgupta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Biodiversity at Tripura University on the topic “Conservation 5.0: From Protecting Wildlife to Predicting Futures in the Age of AI” where he shared insights on biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest ecosystem management and the increasing need for interdisciplinary approaches to conservation research in the age of AI.
Over two days, researchers presented findings spanning a broad spectrum of conservation themes, including Asian elephant ecology and landscape connectivity, human-elephant coexistence, rhino conservation, pygmy hog recovery, Bengal florican monitoring, white-bellied heron conservation, wildlife trade and trafficking, wetland restoration, carbon sequestration, geospatial technologies, climate adaptation, conservation education, eco-cultural tourism, indigenous knowledge systems, veterinary conservation, anti-poaching innovations, conservation communication and sustainable livelihood interventions.
The studies reflected ongoing research and conservation action across diverse landscapes of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand, demonstrating how interdisciplinary science is generating practical solutions for conserving biodiversity while strengthening partnerships with local communities, government institutions and other stakeholders.
Interactive breakout sessions, poster presentations and critical reviews by members of the RAB created opportunities for constructive dialogue and peer learning, enabling young researchers to receive expert feedback while fostering collaboration across disciplines. The discussions also helped identify emerging research priorities and pathways for translating scientific evidence into effective conservation policy, management and on-ground action.
Reiterating Aaranyak’s long-standing commitment to scientific excellence, the organisation emphasised that ARCS has evolved into an important platform for nurturing the next generation of conservation scientists, promoting innovation and strengthening the interface between research and conservation practice.
The symposium concluded with the announcement of awards recognising outstanding research presentations and a forward-looking discussion on future collaborative research priorities, reaffirming Aaranyak’s position as a leading centre for conservation science and innovation in the Eastern Himalaya and Northeast India.
