Scientist, Western Ghats
• PhD (2000-2007) in Zoology, Mumbai University, Mumbai. (through Bombay Natural History Society -BNHS). • MSc. (1996-1998) in Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu. • BSc. (1993 –1996) in Zoology from Periyar E.V.R. College, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.
My research interest lies in applied ecological aspects such as the conservation biology of endangered bird species, habitat monitoring, and on-ground conservation action. I am equally interested in nature education and outreach.
Endangered species research and conservation - I have been involved in research and conservation of the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser since 2000. For this project (2000-2008) I worked with a team of wildlife biologists from BNHS, RSPB, UK, Universities of Cambridge & Reading, UK.
Rainforest Research Team - Since 2008 I am a part of the NCF rainforest research team at Anamalai hills, southern Western Ghats. I have been involved in conducting conservation education programs and carrying out bird surveys in this landscape.
Outreach and Citizen Science - Since 2016 I have been involved in coordinating and conducting seasonwatch program in Tamil Nadu. I am a part of Tamil Birders Network. Through this network I organise bird surveys and other activities related to birding.
Language and Ecology - I have been working towards popularizing the importance of nature writing in local languages through workshops. I blog in Tamil at http://uyiri.wordpress.com/.
Other interests - Birding, philately, numismatics, photography and dancing (mainly Dappanguthu) are some my hobbies. I am a Wikipedian. I contribute images to Wikimedia commons (See here). Most of my images are categorized under an open initiative WikiProject Nature and Conservation in India.