Wild-CER was honored to participate in the Melghat Research Connect Program organized by the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. The event brought together researchers, conservationists, and forest officials to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaborative efforts for wildlife protection.
Dr. Bahar Baviskar, President of Wild-CER, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the critical role of disease surveillance in tiger reserves. He highlighted how monitoring wildlife health is not only essential for the survival of endangered species like tigers but also for preventing the spillover of diseases to surrounding communities and livestock. By sharing case studies from field investigations, Dr. Baviskar illustrated how early detection and reporting systems can help mitigate risks before they escalate into larger ecological or public health crises.
A key focus of his presentation was the implementation of the One Health approach—a holistic framework that integrates animal health, human health, and ecosystem health. Dr. Baviskar emphasized that tiger reserves, being biodiversity hotspots, are ideal sites for applying One Health principles. He explained how coordinated efforts between veterinarians, forest staff, researchers, and local communities can create stronger safeguards against emerging zoonotic diseases, while also promoting sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
The session underscored the importance of building bridges between scientific research and on-ground conservation practices. Dr. Baviskar encouraged young researchers to actively engage in interdisciplinary studies and to contribute to long-term monitoring programs that support both conservation and public health.
Wild-CER’s participation in the Research Connect Program reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, empowering communities, and fostering collaborative conservation strategies. By championing disease surveillance and One Health implementation, Wild-CER continues to strengthen its mission of protecting wildlife while ensuring the well-being of people living in and around protected areas.