Yashendu C.
Joshi
Research Fellow, Centre for Wildlife Studies, IN
Currently, I am a Research Fellow at the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), where I work on various
projects to understand human–nonhuman relationships
About Me.
Growing up in Kutch, surrounded by flamingos, cranes and pelicans, I developed a keen interest in observing animals from a very young age. This interest led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in Zoology, followed by a master's degree in Science with a specialisation in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR). I am particularly interested in studying human–nonhuman relationships through a behavioural ecology lens, and dwelling into the past, present and future of these interactions
Education
2023-2026
PhD
Institute of Research for Development, France | Centre for Wildlife Studies, India
Our intergenerational study seeks to deepen our understanding of the complex interactions and relationships between human and crocodilian communities, from both historical and geographical perspectives. Using interdisciplinary methods, we hope to gain insights into the ways in which crocodilian individuals and populations have shaped human cultures, and continue to be valued and revered uniquely in different parts of a gradually changing world
2020-2022
MSc Biology
(Wildlife Biology and Conservation)
National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
My master's thesis, titled "The crocodile conundrum of Charotar: Peaceful coexistence and deep socioecological connections between human and marsh crocodile communities in Gujarat, western India'', under the supervision of Dr Anindya Sinha (Professor, National Institute for Advanced Studies), investigated the behavioural ecology of crocodiles and human communities' attitudes and perceptions towards them, using an interdisciplinary approach. We asked, 'what facilitates positive or negative interactions between a large predator and human communities?' How have crocodiles peacefully occupied space with humans in the past, and where does the future of this coexistence lie? During this study, we also documented positive human–crocodile interactions and explored the historical nature of this positive relationship across shared landscapes.
2017-2020
BSc Zoology
Sardar Patel University
My bachelor’s thesis, titled “The breeding behaviour of painted storks Mycteria leucocephala and their interactions with human communities in Charal, Gujarat”, under the supervision of Dr Nikunj Bhatt, examined the interactions between humans and storks, and breeding biology of these birds in a human-dominated landscape. In total we identified 102 nests in the village, and understood human perceptions and attitudes towards storks.
