Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam
Wildlife Service Awards 2024
We searched for inspired wildlifers, forest employees, researchers, villagers… virtually anyone currently involved with nature conservation and the battle to protect our biosphere. We found true heroes who displayed extraordinary courage, dedication and determination and set high personal standards for others to follow…
Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam
Zoologist, avian and wetland conservationist, policy specialist
Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam, seen here at Chilika Lake in 2008. His specialisation, Habitat Evaluation of Chilika Lake (Orissa) with Special Reference to Birds as Bio-Indicators, utilised GIS technology to map bird congregation zones, species distribution, and habitat parameters. His research helped predict annual shifts in bird congregation areas and species composition. Photo Courtesy: Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam.
Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam has been instrumental in shaping wildlife policy and fostering international collaborations to protect migratory species along the Central Asian Flyway. He has also worked to protect whale sharks and turtles. His pioneering work on disease surveillance among migratory birds has been crucial in safeguarding avians from increasingly frequent life-threatening consequences.
Dr. Sathiyaselvam’s path to wildlife conservation was shaped by unexpected turns. When a teacher’s strike derailed his dream of becoming a doctor, he found himself studying zoology, sparking a lifelong passion for wildlife, primarily avians. A turning point came while studying for his Master’s in Wildlife Biology, where failing a bird identification test served to fuel his determination to identify over 500 bird species and lead key conservation initiatives.
At the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), he focused on the vital wetland of Chilika Lake, using GIS technology to track habitat changes over seven years. His work led to the creation of a Centralised Database System for bird ringing. He has ringed over 20,000 birds (300 species) across the country.
A mass bird mortality event at Chilika Lake in 2005 catalysed his work in disease surveillance. This proved invaluable during India’s bird flu outbreak in 2006, and he is now a collaborator with the Kerala Veterinary and Agricultural University, the Indian Council for Medical Research, and, critically, the Defence Research Development Establishment for zoonotic surveillance of free-ranging birds.
Dr. Sathiyaselvam was one among those who helped develop the National Action Plan for Migratory Birds and their habitats along the Central Asian Flyway, as he did for the National Marine Turtle Action Plan (2018-2023). His journey into marine conservation began as early as 2001, when he helped rescue a sperm whale near Point Calimere – a pivotal moment that led to him working on the development of the Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Management Guidelines when he was deputed to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Despite personal challenges, including having to be away from his family for frequent and lengthy periods of time, Dr. Sathiyaselvam remains unwavering in his commitment to conservation. His work – focused on data collection, collaborative research, and strong institutional support – aims to ensure that future generations inherit a thriving natural world. His diverse experiences across wetlands, forests, and oceans have helped India significantly deal with the challenges facing species protection efforts in India.
For his unassuming, consistent work in avian research and conservation, wetland preservation, and policy development, with empathy for communities and wildlife, Sanctuary salutes Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam!