Nishant Bhardwaj

Nishant Bhardwaj

Ecologist | Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Institute of India

About

I am an ecologist with focus on population ecology, human-animal interactions, behavioural ecology, wildlife conservation and management. I am also interested in investigating how social and environmental factors, and their interactions, influence the capacity for people and wildlife to coexist in shared landscapes. The integration of conservation and technology especially its potential for biodiversity conservation is very appealing to me. I have used AI and machine learning tools to classify camera trap data. I have experience in carrying out transects, sign surveys for carnivores, otters, Phase 1 & 2 Habitat survey, distance sampling, MARK, and Megadetector. In addition to that, I have experience in GIS, GPS, Camera trapping, R and Google earth engine. I love being outdoors and reading when I am not delving into research!

Interests
  • Human-animal interactions
  • Population Ecology
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Behavioural Ecology
  • Conservation & management
Education
  • MSc in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation, 2020

    Newcastle University, United Kingdom

  • BSc (Honours) in Zoology, 2019

    University of Delhi, India

  • Certificate course in Animal Behaviour, 2017

    University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Skills

R
GIS
Python

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
Project Associate-I
September 2023 – Present Dehradun, India
Assessed level of human-wildlife conflict in villages adjoining Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary. Designed and conducted field surveys, camera trapping and transects in Nandhaur Landscape. Implemented AI and machine learning tools like Megadetector to classify camera trap images. Conducted focus group interviews and in consultation, with target local communities, facilitated training in a suite of feasible, economically viable livelihood opportunities for communities. Conducted education and awareness program among community members and educational institutions.
 
 
 
 
 
Training Coordinator
January 2021 – March 2021 Bangalore, India
Organized a national-level workshop for government officials (Pollution Control Board). Handled all operations and communications, including content development of the information booklet.
 
 
 
 
 
GIS Assistant
October 2020 – December 2020 London, United Kingdom
Digitised traditional orchards from historical maps provided by Landmark and PTES to support restoration of orchards (a priority habitat in UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan). Overlayed aerial imagery to identify the status of traditional orchards
 
 
 
 
 
Student Volunteer
October 2019 – October 2020 Newcastle, United Kingdom
Managed the habitat at the reserve. I dedicated several hours to practical conservation work at Gosforth Nature Reserve with tasks including tree planting at a new native ‘wildwood’, hide maintenance, cutting reed bed, invasive species control, and board walk maintenance.
 
 
 
 
 
Research Intern
June 2018 – July 2018 Goa, India
Conducted field surveys for Smooth-coated otters in mangroves. Identified Smooth-coated otter signs like pugmarks, defecating areas.Set up and monitored trail cameras. Used GPS and Google earth for digital mapping. Analysed and sorted content from trail camera data

Accomplish­ments

Coursera
Introduction to Python Programming
See certificate
Coursera
Understanding and visualising data with Python
See certificate
Coursera
Fundamentals of GIS
See certificate

Contact

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